CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES TO STERILIZATION AND DISINFECTION IN PERIODONTICS

Sterilization and disinfection are crucial for maintaining safe healthcare environments and preventing infections. This review covers common sterilization methods, such as using heat, gas, or radiation to eliminate all microbes, and disinfection techniques using chemicals like alcohols to lower the number of harmful germs. It also examines new approaches, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, and assesses how effective modern disinfectants are against resistant bacteria. The review highlights ongoing challenges, including the development of microbial resistance and the formation of biofilms, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in infection prevention practices to reduce healthcare-associated infections