Sterilization Practices

Dentist office pictures

We employ several sterilization techniques, including heat, cold, and chemical sterilization. All three of these methods are monitored regularly to ensure their efficacy. Wherever possible, disposable instruments and plastic barrier shields are used.

Heat sterilization is accomplished through the use of either pressurized steam or dry heat. A device known as an “autoclave” uses steam and high-pressure to achieve rapid sterilization. Dry heat sterilization is an alternate technique used for certain instruments that do not tolerate prolonged exposure to moisture. Here, a miniature oven is used to subject instruments to high temperatures until sterilization is achieved.

Chemical sterilization is used for instruments made of plastic or acrylic. These instruments can burn or melt if exposed to excessive heat. Chemical sterilization involves immersing instruments in a sterilization solution for several hours, until all bacteria and viruses are neutralized.

Regardless of what technique is used to achieve sterilization or disinfection, you can be assured that we have done our utmost to ensure the safety of you and your family. Our comprehensive sterilization regimen is continually evolving and improving as new materials and methods become available.

Water Line Treatment
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Water line treatment toolThe quality of water contained in dental water lines has been a subject of much controversy in the past several years. Although Oswego’s water supply is filtered and chlorinated, public water lines in every community have a certain amount of bacteria living in them. Through various types of filtration and chemical treatments, municipalities can lower bacteria counts to manageable levels. However, as water lines get progressively thinner en route to their final destination, the amount of bacteria in the line gets more and more concentrated. This can lead to astonishingly high levels of bacteria in the fine water mist a dentist sprays onto your teeth. These bacteria can represent a serious problem for people with compromised immune systems. It can also cause delayed healing and infections after certain procedures (like root canals or gum surgery) where a sterile working field is critical.

Water line treatment toolOur practice employs a water treatment system that uses reverse osmosis filtration, ultra-violet light and silver ion disinfection. We also use a series of “anti-retraction” water line valves in our dental units. These valves close the instant that water stops running through them, so that bacteria won’t get pulled up into the water line through vacuum pressure. The end result is water that has less than 2 parts per million of bacteria. That’s less than what’s found in a typical bottle of drinking water!

What Our Patients Say

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Very happy with my care at this office. I have not had a hygienist or dentist at this office that hasn’t treated me very compassionately and professionally. Have been a patient here over 30 years!

- Tom B. 07/13/2022

What Our Patients Say

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Teeth look amazing!!! I would highly recommend Oswego Dental Group if you are looking to have work done!

- David L. 05/23/2022

What Our Patients Say

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Super friendly and very professional. My whole family have been patients there for many years. Wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.

- Kevin O. 04/15/2022

What Our Patients Say

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I have been going to Oswego Dental Group for years. They are excellent. Pam has been my hygienist and she is thorough, extremely professional and very kind. My family and I highly recommend this dental office.

- Wendy K. 04/11/2022

What Our Patients Say

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Another great experience from the Oswego Dental Group! Jen took great care of my teeth, they have never looked so white! Everyone was super friendly and made sure I was comfortable through my whole visit. See you in 6 months!

- Collin M. 03/02/2022

What Our Patients Say

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Our family has been seen by this practice for many years. Always professional and thorough. They have taken great care of us! Highly recommend!

- Susan R. 01/25/2022

What Our Patients Say

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Dr. Milazzo and Dr. MacDonald are awesome!! So glad I found them after I moved to their area. They are the best. Pam cleans my teeth and she is wonderful, painless too! They take very good care of my teeth! If you are looking for a new Dentist and a good office, then this place is for you!

- Marion G. 06/24/2021

What Our Patients Say

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Dr Milazzo, Sally and the whole staff are the best. THE BEST. I was a mess and had been in pain for a long time before finally finding Dr. Milazzo. I spent a lot of time and a lot of money going to another dentist that just kept making everything worse…I was literally living on protien drinks because it hurt too much to chew. It took a little time (I needed a lot of work done) but Dr Milazzo fixed everything and I can finally eat again. I’m forever grateful for Oswego Dental Group and would without hesitation recommend them.

- Sonya 05/25/2021

What Our Patients Say

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Great experience! Amy did a great job cleaning my teeth and Dr. MacDonald was also professional and very thorough and helped me understand what treatment options were available to me. I highly recommend this dental practice!

- Kristina L. 02/23/2021

What Our Patients Say

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Oswego Dental Group has a staff of kind and caring hygienists and the entire staff does a great job of keeping the entire office clean and safe for people coming in as well as for themselves.

- Karen A. 12/28/2020

What Our Patients Say

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Dr. Milazzo’s dental office is fabulous!!! Very patient friendly!! Sally my dental hygienist is awesome!! Very personable, thorough and gentle!! I love the way you feel after a cleaning! I would not go anywhere else!!

- Cheryl K. 09/22/2020

What Our Patients Say

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I have been a dental patient at the Oswego Dental Group for nearly 15 years and have always been very happy with the care that I have received. Dr MacDonald and all of the hygienists I have ever had are fantastic people and do a great job on my teeth! Love coming here!

- Susan E. 08/18/2020

What Our Patients Say

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Very friendly staff and professional. Always a great experience.

- Kristine F. 04/09/2020

What Our Patients Say

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Always a great experience.

- John S. 02/09/2020

What Our Patients Say

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I love going to my dentist! For 13 years I have never been disappointed and I greatly appreciate how personable and kind the Hygenists have always been! Today my visit was with Pam. I appreciate the time she took to ask how My family and I were going. Dr, MacDonald also took the time to explain a small upcoming procedure I would be having and in doing so put my doubts at ease! Thank you!!!!

- Jeanne P. 02/08/2020

What Our Patients Say

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Best dentist experience. Everyone from the receptionist to Dr Milazzo and Dr Macdonald are very friendly. Pam is an amazing dental hygienist. She is absolutely fantastic. Extremely thorough and friendly. I’m sure everyone is great as well but I’ve only had the pleasure of having my teeth cleaned by Pam and have no need to search elsewhere. Thanks everyone at Oswego Dental Group for making my dental visit a good one.

- Ryan I. 08/17/2019