Evaluation of Cell Pack paper points: A microbiological study

Maíra do Prado, Thais Mageste Duque, Brenda Paula Figueiredo de Almeida Gomes, Danielle de Oliveira Borges, Heloisa Carla Dell Santo Gusman

Introduction: The presence of humidity inside the root canal system after instrumentation and removal of the septic content can influence the apex sealing and, consequently, the success of the endodontic treatment. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the sterilization method used in these cell-packed paper points; to evaluate whether paper points were contaminated after opening, to evaluate the effectiveness of the autoclave to sterilize the contaminated paper points in their cell packs, and to evaluate whether the calibration of these paper points can contaminate them. Methods: Dentsply, EndoPoints, Precise, Protaper, SybronEndo, VDW and Tanari cell-packed paper points were used. Evaluations were made according to propositions. In all steps, the paper points were placed onto brain heart infusion broth and incubated at 37º C in a CO2 atmosphere for 7 days. The BHI broth was checked daily for appearance of turbidity. Results: No paper point removed directly from the cell pack presented contamination; however, contamination was observed when the cell packs were violated; after sterilization, the contaminated paper points were decontaminated; and finally, no contamination was found in paper points seized with sterilized tweezers and placed on a sterilized millimeter ruler. Conclusion: The cell-packed paper points are sterilized and when violated during handling, autoclaving is necessary and effective.

Keywords: Endodontics. Dental sealers. Sterilization.

How to cite: Prado M, Duque TM, Gomes BPFA, Borges DO, Gusman HCDS. Evaluation of Cell Pack paper points: A microbiological study. Dental Press Endod. 2012 Apr-June;2(2):42-6.

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