The influence of different autoclaving steralization parameters on the performance of dental handpieces

Objective To discuss the influence of different autoclaving on performance of dental handpieces to provide evidence for the clinical choices of proper dental instrument sterilization procedures. Methods Orthogonal experiment method was adopted.45 totally new high-speed dental handpieces were randomly divided into 9 groups according to the three factors of autoclaving, including sterilizing temperature (132 ℃, 134 ℃ , 136 ℃), sterilizing duration(4 min, 5 min, 6 min, ) and desccination time (10 min, 15 min, 20 min) by the method of three factors-levels.All these high-speed dental handpieces were sterilized, and number of maintenance in 8 months was recorded and the three factors was analyzed. Results Each handpiece experienced 1 060 times of autoclaving in 8 months.Variable A (sterilizing temperature) P 0.05. Conclusion Autoclaving temperature and duration time had impact on the performances of dental handpieces.Desiccation time showed less obvious effect on performances of handpieces. Key words: Dental handpieces; High-pressure steam sterilization; Temperature; Time; Usability