Caring for your ErgoDenta instruments

Equipment: Use an automated washer-disinfector suitable for surgical/dental instruments, such as a Miele G 7836 CD or equivalent conforming to EN ISO 15883.

Cleaning detergent: Use Neodisher MediZym (Dr. Weigert, Hamburg) at 1% concentration, or equivalent enzymatic cleaning detergent with neutral pH (approx. pH 6.5–8.5).

When selecting and using a washer-disinfector, ensure:

• The washer-disinfector has approved efficiency and is regularly maintained and calibrated per manufacturer's instructions.
• The program is suitable for surgical/dental instruments and includes sufficient rinsing steps.
• The water quality used (especially for the final rinse) is suitable; use deionized or purified water where possible to prevent scale and corrosion.

After cleaning and before sterilization, inspect each instrument for:

• Residual contamination — visible debris, blood, or staining. If present, repeat the cleaning cycle.
• Surface condition — corrosion, pitting, discoloration, or material damage.
• Function — for hinged instruments, smooth opening/closing, intact ratchet mechanism, no stiffness.
• Cutting edges — sharpness, alignment, no nicks or burrs (scissors, scalers, curettes, cutters).
• Tip integrity — for ErgoTip modular instruments, verify tip is securely seated and threads are clean.
• Mirror surface — for mouth mirrors, check for scratches, fogging, or damage to the reflective surface.

Routine maintenance ensures instrument longevity and consistent clinical performance:

• Sharpen scalers, curettes, and cutting instruments according to manufacturer instructions and clinical use.
• Verify thread integrity on ErgoTip modular handles regularly. Replace if threads are worn or damaged.
• Inspect hinge mechanisms on forceps, scissors, and needle holders. Stiff or sticky mechanisms indicate need for cleaning and lubrication.
• Check mouth mirror surfaces for scratches; replace mirrors when reflectivity is degraded.
• Document the number of reprocessing cycles per instrument where required by your local regulations.

All instruments with a hinge, ratchet or box-joint mechanism must be lubricated with a medical grade lubricant suitable for steam sterilization, such as Sterilit Instrumenten Ölspray (300 ml) or equivalent.

Application procedure:

1. Apply lubricant to the hinge/box joint and ratchet mechanism of the instrument.
2. Open and close the instrument several times to distribute the lubricant evenly through the mechanism.
3. Remove any excess lubricant with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Ensure instruments are completely dry before packaging.

Use STERIKING paper/film sterilization pouches (Wipak Medical) or equivalent double paper/film peel pouches in an appropriate size.

Ensure the chosen packaging fulfils:

• Suitable for steam sterilization: Temperature resistance to at least 141°C (286°F) with sufficient steam permeability.
• Protection: Adequate protection against mechanical damage during handling and storage.
• Compliance: Conforms to EN ISO 11607-1 (Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices).
• Maintain and inspect packaging and sealing equipment regularly per manufacturer's instructions.

Use a steam sterilizer (autoclave) conforming to EN 13060 (small sterilizers) or EN 285 (large sterilizers).

Sterilization parameters – Fractionated pre-vacuum (B-class) – Recommended:

The sterilization equipment must be validated and maintained per EN ISO 17665 and the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

Sterilizer maintenance:

• Observe the sterilizer manufacturer's instructions for routine inspection and regular maintenance.
• Clean the sterilizer chamber on a regular basis.
• Use only low-contamination, deionized or purified water in the sterilizer.
• Sterilizers with an automatic drying program are recommended. Ensure items are completely dry after sterilization.

• Allow instruments to cool completely inside the sterilizer before handling. Do not compress pouches while warm.
• Inspect each pouch for seal integrity, tears, moisture inside the pouch, or other damage. Do not use any instrument whose packaging is compromised — reprocess before use.
• Verify that sterilization process indicators (if used) have changed to the correct state.
• For hinged instruments: check hinge and ratchet movement before storing.

• Store sterile instruments in their original sealed packaging in a clean, dry, dust-free environment protected from mechanical damage, humidity, and direct sunlight.
• Keep sterile and non-sterile instruments strictly apart. The sterilization status must be clearly indicated on all packaged items.
• Do not use beyond the maximum storage time specified by the sterilization pouch manufacturer.
• If packaging seal is broken or compromised during storage, the instrument must be reprocessed before use.
• Follow the storage temperature and humidity conditions specified by the pouch manufacturer.

Detergents or disinfectants containing any of the following substances must not be used, as they may cause corrosion, discoloration, or irreversible material damage:

ErgoDenta dental and surgical instruments contain no hazardous materials. However, all instruments must be fully decontaminated (cleaned and sterilized) before disposal. Dispose in accordance with local and national regulations for medical waste or reusable medical devices.