Dental Unit Waterlines

Dental offices use water in almost every part of their practice. Water is used to clean patients' mouths, hydrate during dental procedures, and clean and sterilize dental instruments. The water used in a dental office is supplied through special waterlines set up specifically for dental office use. These waterlines, as with all areas of instrumentation in a dental office, are regulated and part of a series of a state-of-the-art sterilization process.

Waterlines

The water entering a dental waterline is the same water that arrives through your kitchen faucet. However, unlike your kitchen faucet, the water that enters your mouth through a dental instrument has gone through an extensive filtration process. In our office we employ a state-of-the-art filtration system specially designed for dental practices. This is to ensure that the water used in dental examinations and procedures is at par with the highest standards set by the American Dental Association and the medical community. However, this does not mean that the water is microbe free.

Naturally occurring in most water systems are microscopic bacteria. These bacteria group with fungi to create a biofilm. Biofilms are thin layers of naturally occurring water bacteria and fungi that form on nearly all surfaces, including water delivery systems. You find biofilms in your shower head, water fountains at work, kitchen faucets and in dental waterlines. Biofilms exist whether the water is filtered or not.

Exposure to biofilms is part of the natural, daily barrage of bacteria and germs we encounter without harm. Throughout the years of study, there have been no scientific reports linking biofilms in dental water lines to illness. However, your ability to fight off any negative impact from daily exposure to common bacteria is dependent on your immune system. If you smoke, drink heavily, are elderly or very young, or are being treated for cancer or HIV, your immune system may be compromised and not as effective in fighting off any harmful effects. As part of your dental examination, you are asked to fill out an extensive medical questionnaire. This helps the dentist understand your physiology and state of your immune system. Often, extra preventive measures, in addition to the routine sterilization procedures, can be employed to ensure you remain in optimal health. Remember, you are very likely being exposed to fewer germs and bacteria in a dental office then in your daily routine.

Sterilization Procedures

Each time you sit down in the dental chair in our office, you are entering a newly created "sterile" zone. In between each patient, every hand held instrument on the examination tray, and the examination tray covering itself, is replaced with freshly sterilized items. This is to ensure that there is no chance of your coming in contact with saliva or other fluids from another patient. Additionally, hardware used in the office is covered with a plastic shield, including the waterline feed nozzles. These shields are also replaced to ensure a sterile environment. In addition to replacing the sterile sheath on the water nozzle, the waterline itself is flushed to ensure a fresh, clean flow of water.

If you have any questions about sterilization procedures in our office, please feel free to ask. We pride ourselves on keeping ourselves informed of the latest procedures and equipment to ensure your health is protected.