Instrument Care

Instrument Management & Care

All stainless-steel instruments must be cleaned and thoroughly dried prior to sterilization.

We recommend using only a non-corrosive detergent.

Abrasive brushes or materials should not be used to clean instruments.

STEP 01

Following clinical use, all instruments must be thoroughly rinsed with water to remove all residue prior to instrument processing.

STEP 02

Instruments should be placed into an ultrasonic bath for 20-30 minutes according to manufacturer guidelines to ensure complete instrument cleaning.

STEP 03

All instruments must be rinsed with water and completely dried before autoclaving. All stainless-steel instruments should be placed in separate sterilization pouches and not to be mixed with any carbide instruments during instrument processing.

NOTE: Ultrasonic Solution should be changed daily or when the solution appears to be visibly soiled.

NOTE: Only demineralized water should be used in autoclave equipment according to autoclave manufacturer instructions.

TITANIUM NITRIDE COATED INSTRUMENTS

Titanium coatings are used to increase the surface hardness of instrument tips and reduce “pullback” when manipulating composite materials. Proper care should be taken to remove any residual composite materials from the blade within 5 minutes after use by wiping the blade with alcohol on a 2×2 gauze. Titanium Nitride Coated instruments can be cleaned and sterilized using the same recognized acceptable methods as stainless steel instruments.

NOTE: Never use abrasives to clean the surface of any titanium coated composite placement instruments, elevators, periotomes or curettes.

HINGED INSTRUMENTS

All hinged instruments should be allowed to thoroughly dry in an open position after ultrasonic and manual cleaning procedures. We recommend that you only use surgical milk specifically formulated for dental and surgical instruments and follow manufacturer’s instructions for applications.

WARRANTY

All of our products come with lifetime warranty against any manufacturing and material defects. We will repair or replace any product that fails as a result of such defect. We guarantee against breakage, joint failure, and corrosion under normal use. Products that show expected wear under ordinary use are not considered to be defective. Please contact us with questions about the expected life of any specific product type.

NOTE: Modifying or retipping an instrument or failure to provide proper product care, including cleaning and maintenance, may void this warranty. Sharpening and repairing minor tip damage are considered routine maintenance with normal use, and are not covered by warranty.

FRINGS come with a full lifetime warranty against any manufacturing and material defects. This doesn’t cover cosmetic wear under normal use.

Warranty Limitations: TBS Dental disclaims liability and is not responsible for the performance or replacement of any product that has been misused, tampered with, modified, retipped or refitted in any manner or is beyond its expected life. TBS Dental disclaims liability, under any applicable warranty or otherwise, for damages arising from (1.) The use of commercial/residential grade washers (2.) the use of dental automated dishwashers where manufacturer’s processing guidelines are not followed and/or (3.) the use of cleaning solution, chemicals and/or procedures that are contrary to our recommendations.

All FRINGS must be lubricated twice a month to ensure optimal performance. We recommend a surgical milk bath every two weeks as part of your instrument management process.

STAINLESS STEEL INSTRUMENTS

We use many different types of stainless steels in the production of instruments dependent upon the design and application of the instrument. All stainless steels have a high nickel and chromium content to maximize corrosion resistance but will corrode and discolor when subjected to high concentrations of certain chemicals. Do Not expose stainless steel dental instruments to the following chemicals. These chemicals will cause an adverse reaction and may destroy your instruments: Chlorine or Chlorinated products, Household Bleach, Tarter and Stain Remover, Aluminum Chloride, Aqua Regia, Barium Chloride, Bichloride of Mercury, Calcium Chloride, Carbolic Acid, Chlorinated Lime, Citric Acid, Dakin’s Solution, Ferric Chloride, Ferrous Chloride, Hydrochloric Acid, Iodine, Lysol®, Mercury Chloride, Mercury Salts, Phenol, Potassium Permanganate, Potassium Thiocyanate, Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach), Stannous Chloride, Sulfuric Acid and Tartaric Acid (Tarter & Stain Remover)

NOTE: Be sure to only use solutions and chemicals that are compatible with stainless steel hand instruments. Do Not use sodium chloride solution to clean the instruments. Never exceed temperatures 350º F / 177º C as this will have an adverse effect on the temper of the steel.