Lexa Plus – Water steam sterilizer for dental practices (2024)

FAQs

What type of sterilizer is frequently used in dental clinics? ›

A dental autoclave, also known as a steam sterilizer, is the machine that is used to properly sanitize dental equipment after its use.

The new sterilizer is a pre-vacuum, Class B sterilizer featuring a large capacity chamber and an advanced traceability system.

Tabletop sterilizers are frequently used in clinicals and dental offices. These units operate by having distilled water poured into them and are electrically heated until the water turns to steam. When the proper temperature is reached, the timer is activated.

Although other options exist, the preferred temperature-pressure-time relationship for all small steam sterilizers is 134–137°C, 2.1–2.25 bar guage pressure for at least a 3 minute holding time.

Autoclaves are the universally accepted means for sterilization. It is generally accepted that an autoclave chamber must reach at least 121°C at 15 Psi for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure adequate sterilization.

Class B type of autoclaves are the most efficient and best autoclave for dental clinics. They are the most advanced steam sterilizers. Class B type of autoclaves are small in size and are best applicable if you have a space crunch.

W&H Lexa Sterilizer

With its patented steam-condensing vacuum technology, coupled with closed-door vacuum drying, Lexa produces sterile, bone-dry loads.

This innovative autoclave features Steam Flush Pressure Pulse, an independent steam generator that removes air from the chamber, while deep vacuum-assisted drying technology expedites the drying process.

Class B autoclaves utilize a vacuum pump to completely remove air from the chamber, which enables steam to better penetrate the load. Class N autoclaves use steam from a boiler or generator to create downward displacement, which pushes air out of the chamber.

Essentially, autoclaves use high-pressured, hot steam to sterilize dental tools. The instruments are placed inside of a color-changing sterilization pouch while the device is running.

What type of sterilization used in a dental office that requires the highest temperature? ›

Dry-Heat Sterilization

This form of sterilization requires higher temperatures than does steam or chemical-vapor sterilization. Dry-heat sterilizers operate at approximately 160° to 190° C (320°-375° F), depending on the type of sterilizer.

High-pressure, saturated steam using an autoclave, or dry heat using an oven, are the most common and readily available methods used for sterilization. Remember: When instruments and equipment are sterilized by high- pressure steam (autoclaving), it is essential that steam reach all surfaces.

Recognized minimum exposure periods for sterilization of wrapped healthcare supplies are 30 minutes at 121°C (250°F) in a gravity displacement sterilizer or 4 minutes at 132°C (270°F) in a prevacuum sterilizer (Table 7).

Typical office autoclaves

Gravity sterilizers are the primary type used, and they use chamber pressurization, steam, and high temperatures to kill almost all of the bugs. A cleaning cycle lasts approximately 15-30 minutes, not including the preparation time, taking a shorter amount of time if the temperature is higher.

Prior to sterilization in an autoclave, it's critical to dry your instruments thoroughly. As infection control expert John A. Molinari writes in the February 2016 issue of Dental Economics, sterilizers will only remove the amount of moisture they introduce onto your instruments.

Using the autoclave is a safer way to sterilize dental equipment as the moist heat will not damage fragile components, and the moist heat can more effectively penetrate the sterilization bags. The autoclave setting should maintain a temperature of 121C at 100kPa for around 20 – 30 minutes.

Instrument Sterilization

Any tool that is reused in a dental office is sterilized after each appointment. This is often done in an autoclave, a device that uses high heat and steam to kill pathogens. Dental tools are placed in sealed bags and then put inside the autoclave.