Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, so dentists try to prevent additional germs from entering it while providing care. In order to do this, they follow a series of stringent procedures to keep their instruments and treatment areas free of viruses and bacteria. The following are just some of the ways your dentist in Stephens City is keeping their tools clean during your visit.
Instrument Sterilization
Any tool that is reused in a dental office is sterilized after each appointment. This is often done in an autoclave, a device that uses high heat and steam to kill pathogens. Dental tools are placed in sealed bags and then put inside the autoclave. The bags will change color to indicate when the sterilization process is complete.
Single Use Items
There are some pieces of equipment that can’t be properly cleaned after each use. These include gloves, the tips of suction devices, and patient bibs. They are thrown away immediately at the end of each appointment.
Routine Disinfection of Surfaces
It’s not easy to keep dental tools clean in a treatment area that is full of germs. Traditionally, dentists have wiped down operatories with disinfecting solutions after treating each patient. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some practices are now performing additional deep cleanings at the end of the day to further prevent contamination of their equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment
The last thing a dentist wants to do is spread germs from their mouth to their instruments. The use of surgical masks and plastic face shields reduces the transfer of germs while performing procedures.
Plastic Covers
After dental teams disinfect pieces of equipment at the end of the day, they often wrap them in plastic before they leave. This is done to prevent any germs in the air from settling on them while the office is closed. When the first patients arrive in the morning, staff members can simply remove the wraps and begin using the items without repeating the disinfection process.
Frequent Handwashing
Even while following strict cleaning procedures, there is always a risk that a dental team member may come in contact with a contaminated surface during the day. Washing their hands with soap and water before and after each appointment prevents the spread germs from their hands to their tools.
Your dentist knows that you are putting a lot of trust in them. When you come in for a preventive care visit, these procedures allow them to inspect and treat your mouth while keeping you protected from germs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Author
With 40 years of experience, Dr. Thomas A. Gromling is capable of providing dental care for a wide variety of issues. Since completing his dental degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1979, he has continued to stay current with the latest advancements in dentistry through membership in numerous professional dental organizations. If you’d like to know more about how he is keeping his office germ free, you can reach out to him through his practice’s website.