Contaminação residual microbiana de instrumentais odontológicos após diferentes protocolos de esterilização: revisão integrativa

Abstract

Introduction: Cross-infection through reusable dental instruments begins with the adhesion of microorganisms on its surface, favored by the presence of narrow lumens, rough surfaces and multiple joints capable of hindering the removal of dirt, interfering with the effectiveness of the sterilization process. Objective: To carry out an integrative literature review on possible residual microbial contamination in dental instruments after being submitted to different infection control protocols involving mandatory sterilization. Materials and methods: A search was carried out in the Pubmed databases, using the search strategy [dental instruments OR dental practice] AND [sterilization OR disinfection] AND [bacteria OR colony count, microbial], totaling 486 articles. Full articles, written in Portuguese, English or Spanish, published until October 2021, involving analysis of residual microbial contamination of dental instruments after different infection control protocols that included sterilization were included. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 38 articles were selected to compose the integrative review. Different infection control protocols were identified for endodontic files, surgical drills, handpieces and other instruments used in dental practice. Mechanical cleaning by manual brushing, ultrasonic vat disinfection or thermal disinfection, as long as they are associated with autoclave sterilization, were the infection control protocols in which residual microbial contamination was less present. Conclusion: The possibility of microbial residual contamination of previously sterilized dental instruments is a reality, being considered an important route of cross-infection in Dentistry.