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Dentistry vocabulary · Instruments and the Dental Clinic

Autoclave

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/ˈɔːtəkleɪv/nounCommon term

In dentistry, autoclave means: A machine that sterilizes instruments with steam under high pressure and temperature, usually at 121 °C or 134 °C, killing bacteria, viruses and spores.

In Turkish: otoklav, buhar sterilizatörü

How it is used

Instruments are cleaned, bagged and put through the autoclave; the machine runs a cycle, and staff record and test the cycles. It is also a verb: autoclave the instruments.

Example sentences

  1. Put the handpieces in the autoclave once they've been oiled.

  2. The autoclave failed its daily test, so we can't use it until it's been checked.

Common collocations

  • run the autoclave
  • autoclave cycle
  • vacuum autoclave
  • autoclave the instruments
  • infection controlThe rules and practices a clinic follows to stop infections spreading between patients and staff, such as hand hygiene, gloves, masks, surface cleaning and instrument sterilization.
  • handpieceThe hand-held tool that holds and spins a bur or polishing cup. High-speed handpieces cut enamel and old fillings; slow-speed ones remove soft decay and polish.
  • dental assistantA trained team member who works beside the dentist at the chair, passing instruments, handling the suction, mixing materials, sterilizing instruments and looking after patients.
  • burA small rotating cutting tool that fits into a handpiece. Burs come in many shapes and sizes and are made of diamond, tungsten carbide or steel.

More terms: Instruments and the Dental Clinic

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.