Comparative evaluation of sterilization efficacy using two methods of sterilization for rotary endodontic files: An in vitro study

Abstract

Context: Sterilization will be effective only when all the bacterial spores are destroyed. The transmission of pathogens from one patient to another via contaminated devices has been a high-profile issue in infection control. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the sterilization efficacy using two methods of sterilization using rotary endodontic files: Autoclave, chemical sterilization using two solutions (chlorhexidine and glutaraldehyde). Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 60 new pre-sterilized rotary nickel titanium files contaminated with commercially available Bacillus stearothermophillus. The files were sterilized by the two methods and checked for sterility by incubating the files in test tubes containing thioglycollate medium. Statistical Analysis Used: The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine any significant difference between groups. The Mann-Whitney test was used to demonstrate any significant difference between the three agents. The level of significance was set at P Results: The files sterilized by autoclave were 100% sterile, and those sterilized by chlorhexidine showed 87% sterility and with glutaraldehyde showed only 60% sterility. Conclusions: The study concluded that the autoclave could be used as best reliable method of sterilization.