Highland Blogs – Highland Dental Laboratory

26 Oct

How to Disinfect the Intraoral Scanner

Intraoral scanners offer significant advantages over traditional PVS/alginate impressions in that there are no contaminated materials to be poured, packaged and shipped. Compared to a physical impression, digital scans are sent to your dental lab through contactless electronic delivery.

According to CDC classifications, most intraoral scanners are composed of non-critical and semi-critical surfaces.

The scanning unit (wand), cradle, touch screen, and base are Non-critical.

Disposable sleeves or tips which cover the sensor, including any mirrors, are considered Semi-critical instruments.

To disinfect all parts of the intraoral scanner except for the sensor and tip, use a disinfectant that has been approved by the EPA and registered for use against Covid-19. Note that not all disinfectants are suitable for use as a cleaning agent. Non-critical surfaces should be cleaned before disinfectant is applied. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 Disinfect your intraoral scanner with a soft gauze pad soaked in an approved disinfectant or a pre-moistened, disinfectant wipe. Always consult your owners manual for specific instructions on cleaning and sterilization.

The semi-critical surface on most intraoral scanners is the replaceable scanner tip which covers the sensor and comes into direct contact with the patient’s oral tissues.

These disposable sleeves or tips should be removed after each patient. Many can be reused after cleaning and sterilization. Each manufacturer provides specific instructions for tip cleaning which can be found in the instruction manual. Generally, reusable tips should be inspected for scratches and other imperfections. Damaged tips should be discarded.

All parts of the tips can then be cleaned in soapy water with a soft toothbrush and thoroughly dried with a lint free paper towel. After cleaning, the tips can be disinfected through the use of an autoclave, or alternatively a high-level disinfectant that meets EPA criteria for Covid-19 disinfection.

After disinfection, ensure that mirrors or glass parts are free of streaks or other marks. A Cotton swab can be used to remove marks from the mirror. Some tips have mirrors that can be removed and replaced.

Contact Highland Dental Lab in Addison, Texas for more information. Call 214-559-2292

16 Sep

Highland Blogs

Demanding the best from your dental lab

When working with a dental laboratory, it is important to choose a partner that lives up to the high demands that are required. A dental lab partner needs to be aware of all the various applicable laws and standards, and manufacture the dental restoration accordingly. No matter the circumstances, choosing the right lab to work with you and your practice is an important decision.

A recent study shows the top 4 reasons dentists switch labs are: Inconsistent quality, high prices, slow turnaround and poor communication. Because there are no set regulations, many dental labs do the bare minimum to turn a profit. Some labs don’t keep up with current trends and the latest technology. Larger labs often have difficulties maintaining good relationships with their customers, treating them as numbers in a vast sea of other dentists.

Great dental labs recognize the importance of each customer and strive to become an integral part of a mutually beneficial working relationship with the dentists they serve. A sign of an excellent dental lab is transparency. You should be able to take a tour of your dental lab and see the conditions they maintain.

Your Practice is Our Priority

Highland Dental Laboratory – Serving Texas area dentists since 2006, Highland Dental Laboratory is a full service lab known for its superior products, exceptional service and competitive pricing. At Highland, we understand that our business succeeds only when your practice succeeds. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you deliver high-quality custom-crafted restorations at a reasonable price, delivered on time, every time. At Highland Dental Laboratory, we would love to serve you. We hope you take a look at your current lab to make sure they really are meeting your needs and providing you with the level of quality, consistency and professional service you deserve.