Page 161 - My FlipBook

SOURCES OF INFECTION. 159

Excavators ordinarily receive the most attention, and yet, when their
use is considered, they possibly require the least. It is rarely necessary
to use the excavator outside of a cavity, where infection, if at all pos-
sible, would do the least harm, for the continual washing of the cavity,
as the operator proceeds, reduces the danger to a minimum. Broaches,
and all instruments intended to enter the pulp canals, require the most
careful attention, and this applies with equal force to drills ; yet it is
feared that both of these, loaded though they are with septic matter,
receive but indiiferent care. AVhen the dangerous possibilities which
may result from this negligence are considered, it becomes a serious if
not a criminal offence. The difficulty in making these instruments germ-
free and in keeping them from becoming contaminated is fully appre-
ciated ; yet tiie effort must be made, and it is not a difficult procedure,
nor does it require a large consumption of time—an important item to
the dental operator.
Pluggers cannot be regarded as a source of infection. They are
used solely in connection with metal, and therefore strict cleanliness
is all that is absolutely required. It is fortunate that this is so, for
these instruments require unusual care to protect them from rust.
Hence immersion in an antiseptic fluid is deleterious and not re-
quired.
Separators—and under this head are included metal with screw
attachments and wedges—require special attention, but probably receive
the least. They should be made as nearly sterile as possible before
their use upon a patient.
Hand-pieces, of the various kinds in use, are probably the most
difficult to keep thoroughly clean. While they do not come in direct
contact with the tissues of the mouth, they may indirectly, by contam-
inating the hands, produce unpleasant results. Frequent taking apart
and boiling are essential, and should not be omitted.
Napkins from the oi'dinary wash have been and are used with con-
fidence that no bad results from use can follow. If the laundry is con-
fined to the home, this may ordinarily be true, but the indiscriminate
mingling of washes indulged in by the commercial laundryman is
always a menace to health. Where napkins of the latter character are
to be used they should be subjected to the sterilizing process.
The chair occuj)icd by a variety of patients may be a source of
disease, and should be carefully cleansed, especial care being taken with
the head-piece. The latter should be covered with a clean napkin, to
be changed for every patient.
The cuspidor, where the fountain is not used, is ordinarily an abom-
ination, for here, if anywhere, will carelessness be manifest. There can
be no excuse for this, as thorough daily scalding with boiling water and