Application of Scanning Electron Microscopy in the Detection of Biofilm in Dental Unit Waterlines

Abstract

Infection control plays a major role in health care, including dentistry. Microbial contaminations in dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) are very common. In the present study, the formation and characterization of biofilm in the inner lumen of the dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Four dental chairs were selected in the department and new dental unit waterline tubes were installed. A new tube was taken as control. The conservative and endodontic procedure was carried out in the dental chair. The tubes were removed from the dental chairs at different intervals- 7 th day, 10 th day, 13 th day and 16 th day. The biofilms in the inner lumen of the tube is analyzed for the presence of biofilm using scanning electron microscopy. SEM showed the progressive development of biofilms in the dental unit waterlines. The density of the biofilm increased as the duration of installation of tube increased. Biofilm formation was detected in all the tubes except the control. Detection of biofilm in the dental unit waterlines within a week emphasis the need for reliable and effective disinfection protocols in the dental office to eliminates the biofilm within the dental unit waterlines.