Microwave sterilization

Abstract

This study has shown that representative fungi, viruses, and aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including spore formers, can easily be killed in a conventional microwave oven with proper modifications. Metal instruments, including air turbine handpieces and burs, and acrylic dentures can be sterilized in short periods. Consistent sterilization can be accomplished only if the items to be sterilized are rotated in a three-dimensional manner throughout the microwave cavity. Arcing back to the magnetron and damage to the microwave oven are prevented by placing a radar absorbent material within the oven and with proper insulation of the item to be sterilized.

Effect of microwave disinfection on physical and mechanical properties of acrylic resins

“…However, chemical disinfection may present disadvantages like denture staining and patient's oral tissue reactions (4,5).…”

Effect of microwave treatments on dimensional accuracy of maxillary acrylic resin denture base

“…Rohrer and Bulard (7) showed that microwave energy can easily kill microorganisms on denture acrylic resin surfaces within 15 min of exposure. Webb et al (8) reported that microwaving dentures at 350 W during 6 min may be a more effective method of sterilization than soaking the dentures in 0.02% sodium hypochlorite for 8 h.…”

The Use of Microwave Energy in Dental Prosthesis

“…Microwave energy was introduced in 1985 for sterilization of nonautoclavable dental materials. It was shown that exposed to microwave energy for 10 minutes can kill microorganisms if the denture is attached to a three-dimensional rotating device (Rohler & Bulard, 1985). Lining materials have been found to be more prone to microbial adhesion than acrylic resin base materials and have been demonstrated to interact with oral microorganisms because of their surface texture and the physical/chemical affinity between the materials.…”

“…Denture disinfection has been recommended as an essential procedure for preventing crosscontamination and the maintenance of a healthy oral mucosa. The use of microwave irradiation to disinfect dentures and reliners has been suggested (Burns et al, 1990;Webb et al, 1998;Baysan et al, 1998;Thomas et al, 1995;Baysan et al, 1998;Webb et al, 1998) and stimulated as a disinfection model (Fitzpatrick et al, 1978;Lamb et al, 1983;Rohler et al, 1985;Jeng et al, 1987;Friedrich et al, 1988;Najdovski et al, 1991;Arikan et al, 1995;Atmaca et al, 1996;Lin et al, 1999;Kedjarune et al, 1999;Yeo et al, 1999;Nikawa et al, 2000;Jin et al, 2003;Pavarina et al, 2003;Gonçalves et al, 2006;Setlow, 2006;Gonçalves et al, 2007). Since that, researches have been developed in order to ensure the safe use of microwaving disinfection (Table 5).…”