Ultrasonic Insights - Fifth Edition
Ultrasonic Inserts Cleaning, Sterilization and Care Guidelines.
Power scaling is vital to your clinical practice. Proper cleaning and care will help extend the life of your ultrasonic inserts.
Cleaning - To clean, rinse inserts thoroughly or fully immerse in a mild ultrasonic cleaning solution. Inserts may be placed in an ultrasonic cleaning unit for 7-10 minutes or 16-20 minutes if the insert is in a cassette.
Rinsing - Thoroughly rinse with tap water and dry completely prior to sterilization
Sterilization - Sterilize inserts in an instrument cassette or paper pouch in a steam autoclave. Steam sterilize for at least 4 minutes at 270°F/132°C or 30 minutes at 250°F/121°C. Do not heat above 275°F/135°C.
Drying - 30 minutes of drying time is recommended after steam sterilization, prior to use.
Can I put ultrasonic inserts in an ultrasonic cleaner?
Yes, ultrasonic inserts may be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaning unit with a mild ultrasonic solution. The mild ultrasonic solution will not harm the insert nor will the cavitation produced by the ultrasonic cleaning unit.
I thought an ultrasonic cleaner would ruin my inserts?
The mild ultrasonic solution and cavitation produced by the ultrasonic cleaning solution will not harm the insert. Inserts can become compromised in the ultrasonic cleaner when they are mishandled or placed under other instruments. The weight of instruments resting on top of an insert can cause the stack to deform. An insert stack that is deformed, warped or bent will result in compromised function of the insert.
What is the best way to place my inserts in the ultrasonic cleaner?
Ideally, inserts should be placed in an instrument cassette where the outer shell of the cassette will provide superior protection from the weight or intrusion of other instruments. If cassettes are not used, carefully place the insert in the ultrasonic cleaner either alone or in a location where it will not be subject to the weight of other dental instruments.
Can I wipe down or spray the inserts with a surface disinfectant?
Do not use chemical or surface disinfectants as deterioration of the material may occur. Avoid contact with corrosive chemicals such as chlorides, sulfates and surface disinfectants. Additionally, do not expose the insert to solutions containing phenols. While not widely used in North America, chemical vapor sterilization is unacceptable for Swivel and Swivel Direct Flow inserts. Rapid heat transfer sterilization and cold liquid/chemical sterilants are also not recommended and may void the warranty.
