The in vivo contamination of air-driven low-speed handpieces with prophylaxis angles.
BACKGROUND
The authors conducted an in vivo study to determine if low-speed handpiece motors can become contaminated with oral flora when used with prophylaxis angles.


METHODS
This crossover study involved 20 subjects, two types of handpieces and three prophylaxis angles. The authors used each handpiece/prophylaxis angle system to polish teeth. They then collected samples, spiral-plated the specimens and incubated them at 37 degrees C anaerobically and aerobically (with 5 percent carbon dioxide). After incubation, the authors examined the plates for the presence of bacterial colonies.


RESULTS
At least 75 percent of the handpiece/prophylaxis angle systems used on the 20 subjects had bacterial contamination for at least one cultured area. Of the 420 specimens, 258 (61.4 percent) produced bacterial growth. Contamination varied from zero to 6,300 colony-forming units per milliliter.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that the internal surfaces of low-speed handpieces can become microbially contaminated during use with prophylaxis angles.


CONCLUSIONS
Unless low-speed handpieces are sterilized properly after each use, they pose a risk for crossinfection.
Herd
Sarah
S
Department of Periodontics, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Chin
Judith
J
Palenik
Charles John
CJ
Ofner
Susan
S
D000328:Adult; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003754:Dental High-Speed Equipment / Q000382:microbiology*; D003762:Dental Instruments / Q000382:microbiology; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental / Q000379:methods; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods