Instruments Care

APPROVED HANDLING, CARE AND STERILIZATION METHODS BY VIGORFORT:

WARNING: These instruments are not sterilized. All instruments must be sterilized by an approved method before use.

Vigorfort Approved Sterilization Methods:

We recommend steam autoclave and ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization methods.

Steam autoclave is a highly efficient method of sterilization which will not dull the sharpness of the instruments. If steam autoclave and ethylene oxide methods are not available, dry heat and chemical vapor methods are also recommended.  We do not approve chemical sterilization methods.  These methods destroy your instruments quickly and, if used, will eventually invalidate the warranty of your instruments.

Sterilization Advice:

Instruments should be dry before sterilization and in the open position when sterilized.  Instrument trays should never be overloaded. Sterilization units must be cleaned and functioning properly. Autoclaves have high level of moisture and can be damaged if not in good working order. Purified, distilled water must be used in autoclave sterilization units. We do not recommend using tap water. It contains minerals which can cause corrosion and discoloration of instruments. Take out the instruments from the autoclave immediately after cooling when the sterilization cycle is completed. Ensure that all tips and joints of the instruments are moisture free. Moisture may cause corrosion. Before storage, instruments should be properly lubricated with silicon based lubricant.

Cleaning of the Instruments:

Always clean the instruments thoroughly in order to enhance the life span of your instruments. Bulk derbies should be removed immediately after use. We recommended Enzymatic cleaning solution in an ultrasonic cleaner to clean the instruments. Ultrasonic solution must be changed on daily basis. Instruments with hinges must be cleaned in an open position. Oxidation and discoloration may occur if instruments are not thoroughly cleaned. Always use disinfections and detergents which are suitable for use with dental and surgical instruments. With regards to concentrations and length of exposure, detergents manufacturer’s instructions should be followed strictly.

  • Tap water should be avoided during the cleaning of instruments. It contains minerals which can cause
  • corrosion and discoloration of instruments. Tap water can also neutralize the rust inhibiting and lubricating solution.
  • We recommended the use of purified, distilled water in ultrasonic cleaning units. It is also recommended
  • to use non-rinse ultrasonic solution that contains both lubricant and rust inhibitor prior to sterilization
  • and follow the manufacturer’s exact solution measurement. Never leave the instruments in the ultrasonic solution after the cycle is finished. Instruments should be removed and dried immediately.

Lubricant of Instruments:

Instruments must be lubricated regularly to increase the life time of instruments.It should be carried out

daily or at least on weekly basis. Prior to sterilization, instruments must be lubricated. Lubricants designed

Specifically for precision hinged instruments should be used. Make sure to use lubricant that is well-suited with the operating temperature of your dry heat unit if dry heat sterilized is used.

Sharpening of Instruments:

Regular sharpening of instruments, for example cutters, will enhance their service life and increase them

ability to cut more effective and efficiently. Vigorfort recommended frequency of sharpening the

cutters depend on how frequently you use them and also the diameters and type of wires on which the

cutter is being used frequently. Cutters must be assessed regularly if sharpening is required.

Corrosion:

All of the instruments manufactured by Vigorfort are highly resistant to corrosion. The following care

recommendations and maintenance tips can be followed to further prevent corrosion problems.

Occasionally, discoloration of instruments may not be corrosion. Sometimes, organic materials that are deposited on the instruments during use can give the appearance of corrosion or can be mistaken for rust.

  1. An orange-brown stain is normally a phosphate layer caused by water sources, sterilization solutions or cleaning detergents.
  2. A black stain is normally an acidic reaction caused by detergents.
  3. A dark brown stain is usually caused by dried blood residues.
  4. A blue-black stain is usually plating caused by autoclave cleaning materials.

Corroded instruments should never be mixed with non-corroded instruments as it may multiple the process of oxidation. We strongly recommend discarding or replacing the corroded instruments immediately.

Prevent Corrosion:

Corrosion can be an issue with any stainless-steel instruments. Stainless steel requires oxygen from the chromium oxide surface layer, which prevents it from corrosion. Bonding agents, organic residue, and water droplets left on the instruments prevent oxygen from coming in contact with the surface of the instruments and forming this protective layer.

Vigorfort recommends the following to prevent corrosion:

  1. Prior to the sterilization of the instruments, all residual matter must be cleaned thoroughly Instruments must be sterilized in open position.
  2. Instruments must be properly air towel dried. Specifically take care of the joint areas and hinges.
  3. Corroded instruments should never be sterilized with non-corroded instruments as it may permanently transfers the iron oxide on the corroded instruments to the non-corroded instruments.