Comparison of different cleaning procedures of implant drills using TC99.

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to evaluate implant drills' cleaning protocols efficiency as tested by the use of nuclear medicine. METHODS: Eighty-one new drills of 2 different implant systems (Nobel Biocare and BioMet 3i) were selected as study samples. Six of these drills were used as positive control group, and the rest were contaminated with TC-labeled blood. The instruments were divided randomly into 5 groups (negative control group; group 1: immersion and brushing; group 2: immersion and brushing and then evaluation under magnifier; group 3: immersion and brushing and then ultrasonic cleaning for 15 minutes; and group 4: immersion and brushing and then ultrasonic cleaning for 30 minutes) so that every group contained equal number of each implant drills brand. Then the emitted gamma rays were counted by means of a gamma counter. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between the full cleaning protocol and ultrasonication group (P < 0.009). Immersion and brushing, and ultrasonic cleaning for 30 minutes before sterilization, were the most effective methods to remove contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Complete removal of biologic debris was not attained with any of the cleaning techniques used. It is recommended to use ultrasonic cleaner for 30 minutes after immersion and brushing to achieve the best results.