BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to assess the sterility of burs directly from manufacturers. The authors wished to determine the types of bacteria, if any, found on nonsterilized burs. METHODS: The authors used burs from a major manufacturer. Sterilized and nonsterilized burs were cultured for bacteria. Any burs found to be contaminated were further cultured on agar plates. The bacteria on the plates were identified by a commercial laboratory. RESULTS: Of the 100 sterilized and nonsterilized burs, the authors found none of the sterilized burs to be contaminated. Eight of the nonsterilized burs showed growth of bacteria after 24 hours. Seven of the eight bacteria identified on the burs belonged to the genus Bacillus. CONCLUSIONS: The Bacillus genus is encountered in daily living and is not considered to be pathogenic; however, there have been documented cases of infection in humans in which these bacteria dominate. They should never be introduced into the bloodstream. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The dentist must consider that soft tissue exposure may be unavoidable with subgingival restorations or even those close to the gingiva. Therefore, it is imperative that the dentist use sterile burs during dental procedures. This article will prove the necessity for sterile burs and leave the rest to the manufacturers.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to assess the sterility of burs directly from manufacturers. The authors wished to determine the types of bacteria, if any, found on nonsterilized burs. METHODS: The authors used burs from a major manufacturer. Sterilized and nonsterilized burs were cultured for bacteria. Any burs found to be contaminated were further cultured on agar plates. The bacteria on the plates were identified by a commercial laboratory. RESULTS: Of the 100 sterilized and nonsterilized burs, the authors found none of the sterilized burs to be contaminated. Eight of the nonsterilized burs showed growth of bacteria after 24 hours. Seven of the eight bacteria identified on the burs belonged to the genus Bacillus. CONCLUSIONS: The Bacillus genus is encountered in daily living and is not considered to be pathogenic; however, there have been documented cases of infection in humans in which these bacteria dominate. They should never be introduced into the bloodstream. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The dentist must consider that soft tissue exposure may be unavoidable with subgingival restorations or even those close to the gingiva. Therefore, it is imperative that the dentist use sterile burs during dental procedures. This article will prove the necessity for sterile burs and leave the rest to the manufacturers.