Engl 393
Definition Assignment
Nov 2, 2008
Yoo D. Moon
Audience and Purpose
The term, “autoclave”, is used to give information about how to sanitize used dental
instruments to new assistants or intern students in a dental clinic. This paper will make people
aware of the importance of autoclaving instrument and how it is critical not to make any
mistakes with using an autoclave.
Introduction and Cause
An autoclave is a pressurized machine designed to produce steam above the boiling
point at normal atmospheric pressure to achieve sterilization. One of the main concerns for
dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists is possible bacterial infection of the dental instruments.
If an infected instrument is used on a patient, the possibility of bacterial infection inside the
patient’s mouth is high. Bacterial infection can lead to possible formation of gum diseases and
other serious health problems inside the mouth.
Expansion Techniques
Operating Principle
An autoclave uses air pressure to create steam to sterilize dental instruments. Once the
machine pressurizes the air inside the autoclave’s chamber, the trapped air needs to be removed.
Hot air is a poor source of sterilizing method. In order to achieve maximum efficient sterilization,
the trapped hot air needs to be removed by the pumps attached to the autoclave. Within three
minutes, the steam inside the autoclave reaches 134°C to kill off any bacteria on the dental
instruments. This is more efficient than sterilizing through hot air, because hot air takes two
hours at 160°C to sterilize the same number of dental instruments that the autoclave can do in
three minutes worth of time. An autoclave comes in various sizes for loading dental instrument at
various capacities. Bigger the machine, the more dental instruments you can fit in it to maximize
time usage.
Graphic
<Autoclave Interior >
<Autoclave Exterior>
Negation
Autoclaves are not meant to be used by everybody that works in the dental clinic. If
someone misuses the autoclave, he or she could possibly cause bacteria infestation. In another
words, misusing the autoclave can spread bacteria in greater numbers on the dental instruments.
So, people who are instructed properly such as dentists, hygienist, and dental assistant should use
it. Intern Students and new assistants can use the autoclave after proper training.
Process
Clean dental instruments with a brush, and place them in the ultrasonic machine for 20 to
30 minutes. Take the dental instruments out of the ultrasonic machine. Put the dental instruments
into a sterilization bag. Place the sterilization bag, containing the dental instruments, on the
autoclave plate inside the autoclave. Close the autoclave door. Turn the dial to its appropriate
setting. Start the autoclave. Be careful when you take the bag out because it is very hot. Place the
sterilization bag, containing the dental instruments, on the counter. Let it cool down to room
temperature. The dental instruments are ready to use once again.
Conclusion
Using autoclaving machines is one of the most important tasks in the dental clinic,
because it is directly related to a patient’s health. Dental instruments that have not been properly
sterilized through the autoclave have high probability of infecting the patient’s teeth and gum.
New assistants or intern students should be very careful when they learn how to use an autoclave,
and should try not to make mistakes.
Work Cited
"AutoClave Testing." BarbLock, The Ultra-Secure Tubing Retainer. BarbLock Corporation. 2
Nov 2008 <http://www.barblock.com/images/AutoclaveTesting_263-F_20-psi_60-cyc-x3.gif>.
Dr. Fulks , Janet. "Autoclave Interior." Biology 16 Microbiology. May 07, 2008. Kern
Community College District . 2 Nov 2008
<http://www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/bio16/autoclave.htm>.