Debris contamination of endodontic hand files in dental practice

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : The risk of cross-contamination validates the need to assess how adequately dental instruments can be cleaned and sterilised. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : This study aimed to evaluate residual debris contamination of endodontic hand files collected from private practice following routine reprocessing procedures. DESIGN : A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. METHODS : Clinically used and reprocessed endodontic hand files were collected from 27 dental practices. Information regarding the routine decontamination procedures of each practice was also submitted. The endodontic files were assessed by two previously calibrated examiners using a stereomicroscope and were scored for the presence or absence of remnant debris using a modified scoring system. Statistical evaluation of the data estimated the frequency and proportions of debris in each scoring position. Cohen’s Kappa statistic assessed inter-examiner agreement and groups were compared using Fisher’s Exact test. RESULTS : In total, 401 endodontic hand files were examined. Debris was found on 94% of files. Interexaminer agreement was fair to moderate over the entire dataset. Group B was found to contain significantly less debris than the other groups CONCLUSION : Routine decontamination methods used in general dental practice do not effectively remove debris from endodontic hand files.