Disinfection and sterilization of composite polishing instruments.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of several methods of sterilization and disinfection on two different types of composite finishing and polishing instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The instruments consisted of a proprietary light-cured resin cup impregnated with an abrasive and a silicon dioxide-impregnated rubber cup. Chemical and physical methods included treatment with iodophor, synthetic phenol, glutaraldehyde, microwaving, autoclaving, and chemiclaving. RESULTS: Glutaraldehyde (Vital Defense-S) was an effective disinfectant; however, other chemical (cold) disinfectants overall, were not reliable. Autoclaving, chemiclaving, and microwaving all provided to be effective means of sterilization.