Comparative evaluation of sterilization efficacy using two methods of sterilization for rotary endodontic files: An in vitro study

Cleaning of endodontic files with and without enzymatic detergent by means of the manual method versus the ultrasonic method

“…For this reason, chemical disinfection alone does not seem to be enough to achieve 100% efficacy in removing biologic waste from endodontic files. [ 6 ] Hence, the use of enzymatic detergent in combination with manual brushing or ultrasonic equipment is important to obtain greater removal of biologic waste adhering to K-type endodontic files. [ 3 8 , 18 19 ]…”

“…In the field of endodontics, files are used for mechanical root canal instrumentation and are considered critical instruments because they come into contact with biological fluids, which may represent a source of infectious disease transmission. [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ] The function of endodontic files is to remove biological agents and pathogens from the root canal while it is being widened. These endodontic files can be reused in different patients after being disinfected and efficiently sterilized to avoid cross-infection.…”

“…These endodontic files can be reused in different patients after being disinfected and efficiently sterilized to avoid cross-infection. [ 3 4 ] Among the techniques used in various studies to evaluate the cleanliness level achieved in endodontic files,[ 3 5 6 7 , 10 11 12 13 ] we have the manual technique in which enzymatic detergents are applied to endodontic files along with physical brushing for 1 min or less. We also have the ultrasonic technique in which endodontic files are immersed in an enzymatic detergent solution using an ultrasonic unit for varying periods of time.…”

“…[ 3 7 , 8 ] It should be noted that in several studies there was not the same protocol in terms of application time for both techniques, nor was the same frequency of cycles per second (Hz) applied with the ultrasonic unit. [ 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ] However, Masoud et al [ 9 ] found no significant differences when comparing the cleanliness level of endodontic files when using ultrasonic equipment with different cycle frequencies per second. Also, Aasim et al [ 12 ] state that increasing the time of immersing endodontic files in enzymatic detergent using ultrasonic equipment does not improve the cleanliness level after 10 min.…”

“…Therefore, many authors recommend the use of enzymatic detergents combined with ultrasonic equipment. [ 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 , 14 15 16 17 18 19 ]…”