Sterilization methods used in dental burs- a comparative study

Aim: The aim is to find out the effective sterilisation method used for dental burs using Enterococcus Faecalis as an indicator. Methodology: The present study was performed on 40 detnal burs which is divided into four different groups containing 10 dental burs. Out of this group one group is kept as control and the other three groups were tested for the efficacy of sterilisation with different methods: autoclave, glutaraldehyde and glass bead sterilisation respectively. Background: Burs are the most widely used armamentarium in all most all branches of dentistry in which sterilisation of utmost importance as a preventive measure for cross-infection. This study is done to evaluate various sterilisation methods that can be used which is of short duration and effective. Results: In this study, we came to a conclusion that none of the sterilising methods were found to be efficacious in dental burs. However, among the three sterilisation methods autoclave and glutaraldehyde showed 60% sterility and glass bead sterilization showed 40%. Conclusion: Amongst the sterilisation methods used autoclave and glutaraldehyde showed highest decontamination followed by glass bead sterilisation.