Best Autoclaves

Now that we’ve reviewed the best Autoclaves on the market. Let's talk a little bit more about them. How do they work and why they are important for you and your practice. You know that using autoclaves are important, but why is using an autoclave the best form of sterilizing your equipment. 

Also we will discuss the different methods of using autoclaves and how you can use them more efficiently and save time and money. We will share some insider tips on how to use your autoclave for your advantage.  

How Does The Autoclave Work?

First let's talk about how autoclaves actually work. An autoclave is a special chamber system that sterilizes equipment and supplies by exposing them to high temperature steam that reaches temperatures up to 132 degrees Celsius or 270 degrees Fahrenheit. 

It is a tightly sealed system, which allows the steam to build pressure and reach temperatures that it would normally not be able to reach under a non- pressured system.

It is similar to a pressure cooker where it allows the items inside reach certain temperatures with out outside elements affecting it, but the power in the steam is used to kill bacteria, spores and germs rather than cook food.

What Makes Autoclaves Important?

Autoclaves are not only essential to insure proper hygiene and sterilizing, but they also play a key component for disinfecting dental equipment. They also play a major role in hospitals, laboratories, nursing homes, tattoo parlors and nail salons, just to name a few.  

Proper sterilization is crucial for any equipment being used that is designed to be used more than once. This includes probes, periodontal scalers, curettes, forceps, excavators, dental drill, etc... 
Autoclaves are the only way that you can ensure to reuse this equipment on other patients without the risk of spreading infection or disease. 

Even if you do not plan on reusing your equipment, it is in good practice to sterilize your equipment before disposing of it, to unsure no disease can be spread accidentally after disposal. Autoclaves have become more popular over the years, as it is environmentally friendly.

Why Is Autoclaving The Best Method For Sterilization?

Why Is Sterilization Necessary?

 Sterilization techniques are essential when working and owning your own dental practice, and neglecting this could cause to severe consequences through the spread of disease and even death. Practicing good dental hygiene includes keeping your dental equipment sterilized with an autoclave.

After your dental instruments have been cleaned and placed through an autoclave, they are able to stay sterile for up to 12 months in a sealed pouch without any risk of new bacteria growing on it. 

What Are The Methods Of Sterilization?

Sterilization can be achieved by a combination of different methods which can include high pressure steam, dry heat, ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, irradiation, gas vapors sterilants, chlorine dioxide gas just to mention a few. Let's review some of the different kinds of sterilization that are being used today. 

• Heat - Heat is the most common method of sterilization being used today. Probably because it is the most environmentally friendly and cost efficient way to sterilize. Heat is used to kill off microbes in the substance. There are two kinds of heat that can be used dry or wet heat. 
  • Wet Heat Steam and high temperature water is used to kill off bacteria 
  • Dry Heat Specimens are exposed to high temperatures by either flames, incineration or hot oven heat.
    

Do Autoclaves Kill All Bacteria

Yes, when they are properly used. Well, at least bacteria that you need to be considered about. That is the main reason they are so important. They kill all bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores that could be living on dental equipment. However, autoclaves are unable to kill prions which are known to be associated with Creutzfelt-Jakob disease.

Also archaea species is also known to survive in autoclaves and even reproduce, but none of them are known to be infectious or pose a health risk to humans. Autoclaves do kill most bacteria that is unwelcome in your dental practice.  

Summary 

Purchasing an autoclave can be a big investment, so you want to make sure you do your homework before you purchase one. It is a good idea to look over several factors to ensure that the autoclave you are purchasing is going to be the right fit for your business and all of your needs.

You want to ensure that you look at things like the autoclave's capacity, space requirements, installation and maintenance cost over the next several years. You want to make sure you consider not only the price tag on the autoclave, but also you need to think about the long term cost of upkeep on the autoclave you will be purchasing.

Since they are a big investment, you want to ensure you are able to pay for the maintenance and replacement of parts to ensure your autoclave will get the most years it is able to get and you will get your money's worth.