What are the Methods for Disinfecting Dental Chair Pipes?

Which disinfection method is better for DYM long-term lying dental chair? Daily dental clinic pipe disinfection is a necessary task for the oral clinic nursing department every day. Dental chair pipe disinfection is an important part of preventing cross infection in oral clinical work. The following are the methods and relevant points about dental chair pipe disinfection:

1.Chemical Disinfection Method

Use Chlorine-containing Disinfectant:
Prepare the chlorine-containing disinfectant into a disinfection solution according to a certain proportion (such as an effective chlorine concentration of 500-1000mg/L). Then, inject the disinfection solution into the pipe through the dental chair pipe flushing system, and let the solution stay in the pipe for a period of time (usually 10-15 minutes) to fully contact the inner wall of the pipe to achieve the purpose of disinfection. After that, rinse the pipe thoroughly with clean water to remove the residual disinfectant.
Advantages: Chlorine-containing disinfectant has a strong bactericidal ability and can effectively kill a variety of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Its price is relatively low, easy to obtain, and the disinfection effect is relatively reliable.
Disadvantages: There is a certain irritating odor, which may corrode some parts of the dental chair. If the residual disinfectant is not thoroughly rinsed, it may cause irritation to the patient’s oral mucosa.

Use Peracetic Acid Disinfectant:
Generally, 0.2% – 0.5% peracetic acid solution is used. The pipe flushing function of the dental chair is also used to circulate the solution in the pipe or let it stand for a certain period of time (such as 5-10 minutes) for disinfection, and then rinse with clean water.
Advantages: Good disinfection effect, can quickly kill various microorganisms, including spores. It has the characteristics of high efficiency and rapidity, and can play a disinfection role in a short time.
Disadvantages: Poor stability and easy to decompose, so it needs to be prepared before use. It is corrosive to metals and may damage metal parts in the dental chair pipe. At the same time, high concentrations of peracetic acid are highly irritating, so pay attention to safety protection when using it.

Use Glutaraldehyde Disinfectant:
Usually 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde solution is used. After injecting it into the dental chair pipe, let the solution act in the pipe for a long time, generally 30-60 minutes, because the disinfection effect of glutaraldehyde is relatively slow, but it lasts for a long time. After disinfection, flush the pipes with plenty of clean water to remove residual glutaraldehyde.
Advantages: It has a good killing effect on various microorganisms including bacterial spores, and the disinfection effect is long-lasting. At the appropriate concentration and action time, it can reliably disinfect the dental chair pipes.
Disadvantages: It has a certain toxicity and may have adverse effects on the human body. If the residual glutaraldehyde is inhaled by the patient or comes into contact with the oral tissue, it may cause reactions such as mucosal irritation. And the smell of glutaraldehyde solution is relatively pungent.

2.Physical Disinfection Method

Use High Temperature and High Pressure Disinfection:
For some detachable pipe parts on the dental chair, such as saliva suction tubes, high temperature and high pressure disinfection can be used. Put these parts in a high temperature and high pressure sterilizer and set them according to the operating instructions of the sterilizer. The general temperature is set at 121-134℃, the pressure is 103-206kPa, and the time is 15-30 minutes.
Advantages: The disinfection is very thorough and can kill all microorganisms including spores. This is a reliable disinfection method that meets strict disinfection standards.
Disadvantages: It can only be used for pipe parts that can withstand high temperature and high pressure. It cannot be used for some fixed and non-high temperature resistant pipes on the dental chair. Moreover, the operation is relatively complicated, special equipment is required, and the disinfection time is long.

Use Ultraviolet Disinfection:
Install ultraviolet disinfection device inside the dental chair pipe, or insert ultraviolet disinfection stick into the pipe for disinfection. Let ultraviolet rays irradiate the inner wall of the pipe for a certain period of time, generally for no less than 30 minutes, to achieve the purpose of disinfection.
Advantages: The disinfection process is relatively simple, no chemical disinfectant is required, and no residue and corrosion problems will occur. Ultraviolet rays can destroy the DNA structure of microorganisms, thereby playing a sterilizing role.
Disadvantages: The penetration of ultraviolet rays is weak, and it can only disinfect the surface of the pipe directly irradiated. For the curved part or the obstructed area inside the pipe, the disinfection effect may not be ideal. Moreover, ultraviolet rays are harmful to human skin and eyes, so pay attention to protection when using it.

3.Ozone Disinfection Method

Use Ozone Disinfection:
Generate ozone through an ozone generator and inject ozone gas into the dental chair pipe. Ozone can diffuse to every corner of the pipe, contact with microorganisms and kill them. The general disinfection time is 15-30 minutes. After disinfection, ventilation should be carried out for a period of time to discharge residual ozone.
Advantages: Ozone is a strong oxidant with good disinfection effect. It can quickly kill various bacteria, viruses and fungi. It can penetrate into some narrow pipe spaces and has a good disinfection effect on complex dental chair pipes.
Disadvantages: Ozone is toxic and can cause harm to the human body when the concentration is too high, such as irritating the respiratory tract. Moreover, ozone has poor stability and needs to be generated on site and used immediately.

Taking all factors into consideration, chlorine-containing disinfectants in chemical disinfection methods are more commonly used for dental chair pipe disinfection because of their good disinfection effect, low cost and relatively simple operation. However, during use, attention should be paid to the correct ratio and thorough flushing to avoid adverse effects on patients and dental chairs. At the same time, for detachable pipe parts, high temperature and high pressure disinfection can achieve better disinfection effects.

DYM dental chair pipe disinfection uses ozone and hypochlorous acid to disinfect bacteria. It is one of the necessary dental equipment in dental clinics. A safe dental chair can make dentists and patients more worry-free.