Which apparatus is used to sterilize dental instruments?

The apparatus primarily used to sterilize dental instruments is the autoclave. An autoclave uses high-pressure steam to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, from the instruments. The process involves placing the items in a chamber where steam is generated at high temperatures, typically around 121 to 134 degrees Celsius. This not only ensures effective sterilization but is also a critical requirement in maintaining infection control standards in dental practices.

While other options like an ultrasonic cleaner are valuable for cleaning instruments, they do not achieve complete sterilization. An ultrasonic cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves to remove debris from instruments. A sterilization tray is a tool used for organizing instruments before or after sterilization but does not perform the sterilization itself. Similarly, a heating oven can be used for dry heat sterilization, but it is not as commonly used as the autoclave, which is widely accepted for its reliability and effectiveness in achieving sterilization quickly and efficiently.