Sök artiklar i SveMed+

Tidskrift

Sammanfattning

Root-canal instruments have a structure that makes cleaning and sterilization difficult. In this context, abnormal prion proteins, causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, are relatively resistant to normal sterilizations methods. Abnormal prions have the ability to accumulate in the brain and cause Creutzfeldt–Jacobs dis­ease (CJD) in humans. The discussion on single use of endodontic instruments is partly a consequence of this concern. Although epidemiological investigations have not revealed any evidence that dental procedures have led to increased risk of iatrogenic transmission of CJD in humans, infective agents have been detected in oral tissues. For patients with known disease history it is therefore recommended that all instruments should be destroyed by incineration. Procedures for sterilization are poor when it comes to eliminating debris from used instruments. As a consequence, some countries have recommended single use of root canal instruments. As cleaning procedures for endodontic instruments are difficult, single use of endodontic instruments may be encouraged in Norway to facilitate the daily routines in a dental practice more than the ultimate risk for transmission of CJD.

MeSH