Sterilization characteristics of dental instruments using oxygen plasma produced by narrow gap RF discharge

Sterilization characteristics and material compatibility of low-pressure RF oxygen plasma sterilization method for dental instruments are investigated. Regarding the characteristics of the plasma sterilizer for dental instruments, it is small and can rapidly sterilize owing to a narrow gap discharge. Sterilization of vial-type biological indicators is achieved for the shortest treatment period of 40 min at an RF power of 80W at a temperature of 70 degrees C. At a temperature lower than 60 degrees C, a sterilization period of 90 min is required using a water-cooled electrode. No surface modifications of dental instruments such as chemical composition and deterioration of fine crystals of a diamond bar were observed under a scanning electron microscope. (C) 2016 The Japan Society of Applied Physics