Year: 2026

Preserving Precision, Ensuring Safety

To maximize the lifespan of your CONODENT premium instruments and ensure the safety of your patients, follow this standardized reprocessing protocol. Proper care prevents corrosion, maintains sharpness, and ensures smooth mechanical function.

1. Point-of-Use Preparation

• Immediate Rinse: Rinse instruments under warm running water immediately after use to remove blood, tissue, and debris.
• Avoid Drying: Never allow biological contaminants to dry on the instrument. If immediate cleaning isn’t possible, use a pH-neutral enzymatic foam or gel to keep debris moist.
• Separation: Keep delicate items (Periotomes, Composite instruments) separate from heavy tools (Forceps, Elevators) to prevent tip damage.

2. Cleaning & Disinfection

• Ultrasonic Cleaning: This is the most efficient method. Use a pH-neutral detergent and ensure instruments are in the open position.
  • Note: Do not mix dissimilar metals (e.g., chrome-plated and stainless steel) in the same cycle to avoid galvanic corrosion.
• Manual Cleaning: Use only soft nylon brushes. Never use steel wool or wire brushes, as these will damage the protective “passive layer” of the steel and lead to “pitting.”
• Drying: This is the most critical step. Thoroughly dry instruments before sterilization. Moisture trapped in joints or box locks is the primary cause of rust during autoclaving.

3. Inspection & Lubrication

• Visual Check: Inspect tips for sharpness, alignment, and any signs of “spotting” or corrosion.
• Lubrication: For all hinged instruments (Forceps, Needle Holders, Scissors) and spring-action tools (Crown Removers), apply a medical-grade, water-soluble lubricant (Instrument Milk).
  • Note: Do not use industrial oils; they will interfere with the sterilization process.

4. Sterilization (Autoclaving)

• Parameters: Follow standard steam sterilization cycles (typically 134°C for 3–5 minutes).
• Loading: Do not overload the autoclave. Ensure steam can circulate freely around every instrument surface.
• Cassette System: We recommend using CONODENT Stainless Steel Cassettes to protect delicate tips from rattling and breaking during the cycle.

Quick Troubleshooting: Spots vs. Rust

The “CONODENT” Golden Rules

1. Neutral pH Only: Always use chemicals with a pH between 7.0 and 8.5.
2. Open Joints: Sterilize forceps and scissors in the open/unlocked position.
3. No Tap Water: Use distilled or deionized water for the final rinse and autoclave reservoir to prevent mineral scaling.

CONODENT Atraumatic Extraction Protocol

Stage 1: Initial Entry (The 2mm Straight)

• When: The very first step after the syndesmotomy.
• Goal: To create the first “gap” in the PDL.
• Technique: Insert the 2mm Straight Luxator at a slight angle into the sulcus. Use a gentle “push and wiggle” motion to find the narrowest part of the PDL. The 2mm width is small enough to penetrate even the tightest interproximal spaces without fracturing the enamel of adjacent teeth.

Stage 2: Expanding the Circumference (The 3mm Straight & Curved)

• When: Once the 2mm blade reaches the full depth of the gingival sulcus.
• Goal: To sever the fibers around the entire tooth.
• Technique: * Use the 3mm Straight for the buccal and lingual surfaces.
  • Use the 3mm Curved for the mesial and distal line angles. The curve allows the blade to follow the rounded “corner” of the root without digging into the bone.

Stage 3: Creating Root Displacement (The 4mm Curved)

• When: When the tooth begins to show the first sign of mobility (Class I).
• Goal: To act as a wedge to displace the tooth from the socket.
• Technique: Switch to the 4mm Curved Luxator. Because it is wider, it creates more lateral displacement. Insert it deep into the mesial or distal corners. The curved blade acts like a shoehorn, pushing the root away from the socket wall while you sever the deeper apical fibers.

Stage 4: Final Luxation for Molars (The 5mm Curved)

• When: Specifically for large-diameter roots or multi-rooted molars.
• Goal: To finalize the separation before forceps are applied.
• Technique: The 5mm Curved Luxator is used to bridge the gap between two roots or to engage the wide buccal surface of a molar. By “walking” the 5mm blade around the tooth, you ensure the socket is sufficiently expanded to allow the tooth to lift out vertically with zero resistance.

Quick Reference: Which Luxator to Grab?

Critical Safety Warning

Luxator vs. Elevator: Remember, the CONODENT White Series handles are ergonomic for pushing force. Unlike a heavy-duty elevator (like a Coupland), do not apply a “twisting-lever” force. Use the luxator like a knife to cut the ligament. If you need to “pry” the tooth, switch to a CONODENT Stainless Steel Elevator once the luxator has done its job.