Cutting effectiveness of diamond instruments subjected to cyclic sterilization methods.

The effect of repeated sterilization on the cutting effectiveness of one brand of rotary dental diamond cutting instruments was measured. Four groups of five diamond burs were sterilized by four methods: (1) sterilization with a chemical agent (Sporicidin); (2) steam under pressure (autoclave); (3) dry heat (Dri-Clave); or (4) chemical vapor (Chemiclave). Each group of diamond instruments made a timed cut in a ceramic block. This cut and all subsequent cuts were measured and were used to determine a baseline cutting effectiveness. Each group of diamond burs was then ultrasonically cleaned, sterilized, and another cut was made. At the end of 10 cycles there was no difference in cutting efficiency of the dental diamond instruments. However, there are differences in the cutting efficiency of individual diamond instruments. The SEM evaluation made prior to cutting and at the end of the 10 cycles of sterilization demonstrated that diamond wear was similar in all groups and that little diamond particle loss occurred in any group.