Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Dental care has been particularly concerned with sterilization of instruments and materials. In this context, the methods used for infection control are essential to ensure patients’ safety. This in vitro study aimed to test gingival retraction cords taken from factory- sealed containers for the presence of contamination. Three commercial brands of retraction cords were analyzed: Retraflex®, Pró-Retract®, and Ultrapack®.METHODS: The sample consisted of 10 1-cm segments of retraction cords of each commercial brand (n = 30). For bacterial growth analysis, 30 test tubes containing sterile brain heart infusion (BHI) as the culture medium were used. Bacterial growth was considered positive in tubes in which the BHI broth became turbid.RESULTS: Of 30 test tubes with retraction cords, six showed turbidity and were considered contaminated: three tubes with Retraflex®, one tube with Pro-Retract®, and two tubes with Ultrapack®, accounting for 20% of the total sample.CONCLUSIONS: The present findings showed that some retraction cords received from the manufacturers were contaminated with microorganisms. Thus, extra caution should be taken when using these materials, and further studies should be conducted.
Highlights
In dentistry, interest in infection control has increased over the years, in relation to barrier precautions and instrument sterilization
The present findings showed that some retraction cords received from the manufacturers were contaminated with microorganisms
Several studies on the effects of gingival retraction with the use of retraction cords on periodontal health have shown that this practice causes temporary gingival inflammation [16]
Summary
Interest in infection control has increased over the years, in relation to barrier precautions and instrument sterilization. Infection control is an important aspect of patient care in general, but it is relevant for patients with HIV, cancer, or autoimmune diseases and transplant recipients. These patients’ health may be compromised by infection with any microorganism, so the risk of pathogen transmission in dental procedures should always be considered [1]. The use of retraction cords is relatively predictable, effective, and safe [9, 10], it can be challenging and time-consuming, can cause bleeding and be uncomfortable for patients. Several studies on the effects of gingival retraction with the use of retraction cords on periodontal health have shown that this practice causes temporary gingival inflammation [16]
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