Have you ever wondered how we sterilize those instruments that go into your mouth? 
Your safety is our priority at DBay Dental and we take the process of instrument cleaning very seriously. One key piece of equipment in the dental practice is the Autoclave. This is a machine that cleans surfaces with extreme heat and steam in a highly pressurized environment.
A dental autoclave is a medical device used to sterilize dental instruments and equipment. It employs high-pressure saturated steam at temperatures ranging from 121°C (250°F) to 134°C (273°F) to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. The process involves several stages:
- Loading: Dental instruments are placed in the autoclave in trays or pouches to allow steam to circulate around them.
- Heating and Sterilizing: The autoclave heats water to create steam and then increases the pressure to reach the desired sterilization temperature. The instruments are exposed to this high-temperature steam for a specific duration, which ensures that all microorganisms are destroyed.
- Exhausting: After the sterilization cycle, the steam is vented out, and the pressure is reduced.
- Drying: Some autoclaves include a drying cycle to ensure instruments are dry and ready for immediate use or storage.
Dental autoclaves are essential in dental practices to maintain a sterile environment, prevent cross-contamination, and ensure patient safety. Along with this, DBay Dental has also chosen to undergo the accreditation process, which means we follow strict guidelines in regards to quality control and patient safety. For more information, visit: https://www.qip.com.au/what-is-accreditation/