Comparing Sterilization of Endodontic Hand Files by Four Different Methods: An In Vitro Study

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim and objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of four various approaches of sterilizing endodontic hand files via Autoclave, Glass-bead sterilizer, Glutaraldehyde solution, and Diode laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two k-files of size #25 and length 21 mm were taken for the study. All the 52 files were presterilized in an endodontic instrument box via autoclave. Bacillus stearothermophilus spore suspension was prepared and all the presterilized files were contaminated with stearothermophilus spore suspension in a sterile Petri dish under vacuum hood safety. Later, the test files were randomly divided into four groups of 13 each and subjected to four different methods of sterilization- Autoclave, Glass-bead sterilizer, Glutaraldehyde solution, and Diode laser. Files were then be placed in thioglycollate media containing test tubes and incubated in an incubator at 55°C and checked for turbidity at 3 days and 21 days. RESULT: The result revealed that there was no Turbidity present in test tubes on both the 3rd and 21st day for autoclave. In all the remaining sterilization procedures there was some amount of turbidity present. In terms of sterilization provided autoclave provides complete sterilization and glutaraldehyde solution is the least effective. The specificity of Bacillus stearothermophilus was then confirmed with a sugar test viz., starch hydrolysis test which gave a positive result confirming the presence of Bacillus stearothermophilus. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that autoclave is the perfect process of sterilization providing 100% sterility and although Glass-bead didn't provide 100% sterility, it can be used as an alternative if autoclave is not available. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Ameer B, Khatib MS, Peerzade SM, et al. Comparing Sterilization of Endodontic Hand Files by Four Different Methods: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(2):149-152.