Analysis of contamination of endodontic absorbent paper points

Authors

  • Érica Rodrigues Pereira Forças Armadas Hospital
  • Cleber Keiti Nabeshima University of São Paulo
  • Manoel Eduardo de Lima Machado University of São Paulo

Keywords:

Contamination, endodontics, sterilization

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the contamination status of endodontic absorbent paper points from sterilized or not sterilized commercial packs, as well as paper points exposed to the dental office environment. Methods: Twenty absorbent paper points were evaluated for contamination status packed under different conditions: commercial/sterilized pack, commercial/non-sterilized pack, exposed to the clinical environment, and intentionally contaminated (positive control). Contamination was determined qualitatively and quantitatively by aerobiosis, capnophilic growth, and pour plate. The Petri dishes were analyzed with a colony counter, and the results were expressed as colony-forming units. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (α=0.05). Results: No difference in colony-forming units was found among the groups of endodontic absorbent paper points. All groups were contaminated by fungi and bacteria. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the sterilization of absorbent endodontic paper points before clinical use should be recommended regardless of commercial presentation.

Author Biographies

Érica Rodrigues Pereira, Forças Armadas Hospital

Specialist in Endodontics, Forças Armadas Hospital, Brasília, DF, Brazil

Cleber Keiti Nabeshima, University of São Paulo

M

Manoel Eduardo de Lima Machado, University of São Paulo

Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

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Published

2011-01-07

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 1 (2011)

Section

Original Article

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