Sterilization in endodontics: A newer concept

Abstract

In the endodontic procedure the treatment consists of different types of working procedures, such as isolation in the area of a tooth by rubber dam, opening access cavity with burs and cleaning and shaping of the canal after that compact obturation of canal. In every phase of treatment sterilization instruments are needed to prevent blood born diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, and other blood-borne infections. In-depth knowledge of sterilization protocol in every step to clean the instrument is the key to infection control. Sterilization refers to the process in which complete removal microorganisms and spores from the surface treated. The widely used method is heat-based sterilization by autoclave. Till the invention of autoclave, dry heat method was used for sterilization in all areas of dentistry. This review article describes the various method used in endodontics for sterilization.