Bacterial contamination of dental handpieces

Evaluation of the efficacy of Alpron disinfectant for dental unit water lines

“…An analysis of the microbial counts from each of the six units included in the study (Tables 1-4) (2) 24 (2) 2 (2) 2 (0) Baseline 1525 (0) 4875 (0) 100,000 500 (1) 1695 (0) 2625 (615) (100,000) (4) 184 ( (2) 262 (4) 214 ( (18) 158 (2) 4 (2) 0 (0) There have been several attempts to reduce the microbial contamination of dental unit water lines including autoclaving of handpieces, handpiece replacement between patients, flushing of the unit prior to use, 'anti-contamination' devices to prevent retrograde aspiration of oral secretions into the water supply line, 19 connection to a separate water supply (for example, connection to bottles of distilled water), ultra-violet radiation disinfection and the use of in-line water filters. 3,[20][21][22] Many workers have suggested treatment with various disinfectant solutions, including hydrogen peroxide, 23 chlorhexidine gluconate, 24 sodium hypochlorite, 25,26 chlorine dioxide, 27 povidone-iodine, 28 Listerine mouthwash 29 and electro-chemically activated water. 30 These have been developed and implemented in many dental practices with mixed long-term results.…”

A between-patient disinfection method to control water line contamination and biofilm inside dental units

“…28 -30 The use of chemicals introduced into water systems either continuously or intermittently to control DUWL contamination and biofilm inside dental units has been proposed. 31,32 Continuous treatment has involved several chemical agents including chlorine compounds, 33 chlorhexidine gluconate, 34 hydrogen peroxide, 35 povidone -iodine 36 and commercial mouth rinses. 37,38 Although continuous treatment with low-grade disinfectants offers a lower potential for recolonization of water lines, it may damage equipment, affect the healthcare worker or interfere with any dental materials.…”

Biofouling of surgical power tools during routine use

“…A study to identify handpiece bacterial contaminants by flushing the spray channel and head was carried out by Kellet and Holbrook. 20 The organisms identified were similar to bacteria found in handpiece sprays with staphylococci, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp., all isolated, and decontamination resulted in a reduction in bacterial counts.…”

“…and Bacillus spp., all isolated, and decontamination resulted in a reduction in bacterial counts. 20 Dental handpieces may become contaminated externally and internally during operations. Removal of proteinaceous material has become increasingly important due to the risks associated with variant CreutzfeldteJakob disease (vCJD).…”