Single-use of endodontic hand files: perceptions and practise
Open Access
- 29 September 2018
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Infection Prevention
- Vol. 20 (1), 32-36
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1757177418802356
Abstract
Background: The concept of single-use of endodontic files remains controversial in the published literature. The extent and attitudes concerning the single-use of endodontic hand files is currently unknown in many countries. Aim: The prevalence and perceptions regarding the single-use of endodontic files was investigated in this descriptive observational study. Methods: A questionnaire regarding the perceptions and usage protocols of endodontic files was developed. Twenty-seven South African dental practices were included in this study. Participation was voluntary. Results: None of the respondents reported single-use of endodontic hand files. Several decontamination methods were used by the respondents for reprocessing endodontic files. Discussion: Financial constraints were reported as the primary reason for the reuse of endodontic files. As no standardised method of reprocessing these instruments exists for South Africa, written guidelines on this subject should be developed.Keywords
This publication has 12 references indexed in Scilit:
- Bioassay Studies Support the Potential for Iatrogenic Transmission of Variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease through Dental ProceduresPLOS ONE, 2012
- Healthcare-associated viral and bacterial infections in dentistryJournal of Oral Microbiology, 2012
- Infection control practices in public dental care services: findings from one South African ProvinceJournal of Hospital Infection, 2007
- The effect of pre‐soaking and time in the ultrasonic cleaner on the cleanliness of sterilized endodontic filesInternational Endodontic Journal, 2006
- A study of visual and blood contamination on reprocessed endodontic files from general dental practiceBritish Dental Journal, 2005
- Mechanical preparation of root canals: shaping goals, techniques and meansEndodontic Topics, 2005
- Endodontics: Part 5 Basic instruments and materials for root canal treatmentBritish Dental Journal, 2004
- Factors Influencing Defects of Rotary Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Instruments After Clinical UseJournal of Endodontics, 2004
- Should Endodontic Files Be Single‐Use Only?Australian Endodontic Journal, 2003
- Investigation of PrPres in dental tissues in variant CJDBritish Dental Journal, 2003