Modern aspects of the solution of the problem of bacterial seedness of various components of the dental reception

Introduction. The identity of the microflora of foci of acute odontogenic infection and dentin of carious cavities determines the urgency of the problem of cross infection in dentistry. One of the components of this problem is the bacterial contamination of the zone of dental treatment. In the course of the study, there was established the sufficiently low level of bacterial contamination that at the beginning of the working day.

Material and methods. The material of the study was the results of 27 samples of the air microflora of the dental unit, 273 items of washing from the dental tips and from the surfaces of the therapeutic and non-healing working zones. Air studies were conducted for general bacterial contamination (CFU-colony forming units) or a total microbial number (TMN) with the determination of sanitary-indicative microorganisms (St. Aureus). Aspiration and sedimentation methods were used. Investigation of microbial contamination of surfaces was carried out by the method of washings, with the determination of TMN and sanitary-indicative microorganisms (pathogenic coccal flora, bacteria of the Escherichia coli group, Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Results. The value of the total microbial number is minimal in the study group and is not significantly higher in the control group. In the middle of the working day, the microbial number increases significantly in both groups, but the process in the control group is more pronounced. By the end of the working day, the difference in the increase in the TMN value in the control group and in the study group was statistically significant. This trend is also determined with regard to dental instruments, in particular, dental handpieces. Bacterial contamination of the surfaces of dental tips is significantly increased from the beginning to the end of the working day, and the degree of increase in the TMN value directly depends on the material of manufacture and the method of sterilization.

Discussion. The results of the research showed the introduction of new sanitary and hygienic standards for the maintenance of dental handpieces to be a necessary measure for protecting the health of both the patient and the medical worker. When old standards of dental products are used during the shift, bacterial contamination of medical equipment, the water of the tip cooling system and the surface of the doctor’s working area are increased. However, in terms of quantitative indices, the bacterial contamination of the investigated objects when using W&H tips, was lower than for similar domestic products.

Conclusions. The introduction of new, more strictly regulated sanitary and hygienic standards for the maintenance of dental handpieces is scientifically justified, as well as a necessary measure for protecting the health of both the patient and the medical worker. The vapor autoclave of group B LISA showed high efficiency in the sterilization process of all types of tips.