What must be done if a dental instrument appears contaminated?

If a dental instrument appears contaminated, it must be cleaned and disinfected before use. This is crucial to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and ensure patient safety. Contaminated instruments can harbor harmful pathogens, so proper sterilization protocols must be followed to eliminate any potential risks. Cleaning involves removing debris and saliva, while disinfection is the process that reduces or eliminates pathogenic microorganisms.

Using a contaminated instrument is unsafe and poses health risks for both the patient and dental staff, which is why that choice is unacceptable. Placing the instrument in storage would not address the contamination issue, as it remains a potential risk if stored improperly. Notifying the patient is also not an appropriate response, as it does not resolve the contamination or ensure their safety during dental treatment. Therefore, cleaning and disinfecting contaminated instruments is the standard practice for maintaining a safe clinical environment.