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Addressing the issue of water line stagnation is pivotal when hibernating a dental chair. It is crucial to eliminate water from the waterlines during closure, achieved through methods like displacing it using compressed air or rendering the remaining water inhospitable to microorganism growth (biofilm or Legionella) by using chemical flush.
Cleaning Suction Lines:
Turn Off Suction Systems:
Power off and shut down the suction systems. This may involve turning off the main power supply or using specific controls on the dental unit.
Remove Debris:
Remove any visible debris or material from the suction traps or filters. This prevents clogs and ensures proper functioning when the system is restarted.
Flush with Disinfectant Solution:
Flush the suction lines with an appropriate disinfectant solution recommended by the dental unit manufacturer. This helps disinfect the lines and eliminate any potential microbial growth.
Let Solution Sit:
Allow the disinfectant solution to sit in the suction lines for the recommended contact time specified by the manufacturer. This ensures thorough disinfection.
Rinse with Water:
Rinse the suction lines with clean water to remove any residual disinfectant solution. This step is important to prevent contamination of the dental unit when it is used again.
Empty and Clean Traps:
Empty and clean the suction traps or containers. Dispose of any collected debris properly and ensure that the traps are ready for use when the office reopens.
Cleaning Dental Handpiece Lines:
Disconnect all dental handpieces from the dental unit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper disconnection.
Flush:
Flush the handpiece lines with a manufacture recommended cleaning solution.
Run Handpiece Cleaning Cycle:
If your dental unit has a built-in handpiece cleaning system, run the cleaning cycle according to the manufacturer's instructions. This ensures that the internal components are thoroughly cleaned.
Lubricate Handpieces (if applicable):
If your handpieces require lubrication, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for applying the appropriate lubricant. Lubrication helps maintain the performance of the handpieces.
Disconnect and Store Handpieces:
Disconnect handpieces from the dental unit and store them in a designated, clean area. Ensure that they are protected from contamination and damage during the break.
Document Maintenance:
Document the cleaning and maintenance procedures performed on the suction lines and dental handpieces. This documentation is helpful for tracking maintenance schedules and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Always refer to the specific guidelines provided by the dental equipment manufacturer for cleaning and maintenance procedures, as different systems may have unique requirements.