It is understandable to be concerned about acquiring communicable diseases in medical centers including dental offices. Tools and equipment that is used in your mouth is also used on other patients. This is one sure way of transmitting bacteria. But dentists know the risks involved in their area of practice, so they do all the necessary measures to keep their equipment sterile.
When news about AIDS epidemic broke out, this raised concern and brought focus on dental clinics. But dentists are one step ahead when it comes to patient safety.
When it comes to communicable diseases, AIDS is not the only one you should be concerned about.There are others that are as dangerous. HCV or Hepatitis C virus is not as popular but it is silently afflicting nearly four million Americans. Then there’s tuberculosis, hepatitis B, influenza or even simple common colds. What’s good about it is the fact that the safety measures taken for one disease can also work for the others. What most patients don’t know is that your dental team puts a lot of time and effort into protecting their patients’ health safety on a daily basis.
As much as possible they use disposable items. They do what they can to keep you safe from airborne bacteria. All operatory surface goes through a complex sterilization process. and they’re strictly monitored by national agencies like the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control.
Instruments made of metal go through an ultrasonic bath then undergo autoclaving in chemical pressurized heat. Other tools like the drill is heat-treated for an hour and cooled. Nothing escapes them. Everything is cleaned free of micro organisms that can get you sick. You can just imagine the cost of making sure everything is clean.
But patient safety is all worth it. After all, this is what they’re here for – to give you good heatlh and a beautiful smile. Dentists are happy knowing their patients have confidence in them. If you are concerned about your safety, you can ask them about their sterilization regime. I bet they’ll be more than willing to tell you. Open communication matter to your dentists.
