Under what condition are instruments not autoclaved?

Instruments are not autoclaved when they cannot withstand heat sterilization. This is an important consideration in infection control and patient safety, as many dental instruments are made from materials that can be damaged or deformed by high temperatures and moisture involved in autoclaving. For example, instruments made of certain plastics, rubber components, or sensitive electronic devices may deteriorate or become inoperable when subjected to the autoclave process.

It is vital to ensure that all instruments used in dental procedures are sterilized appropriately, but when specific instruments cannot tolerate heat, alternative sterilization methods—such as chemical sterilization—must be employed to ensure both the integrity of the instruments and the safety of the patients. Understanding the limitations of each instrument is critical to maintaining effective infection control protocols.