Final answer:
The sterilization process for handpieces should adhere to the specific temperature guidelines provided by the equipment manufacturer. Typically, autoclaves use temperatures of 121 °C or 132 °C for effective sterilization, and moist-heat sterilization is considered more effective than dry-heat methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The temperature during handpiece sterilization should never exceed temperatures that would compromise the integrity of the instrument and the effectiveness of sterilization. Standard operating temperatures for autoclaves, which are commonly used for sterilization in medical settings, are 121 °C (249.8 °F) or 132 °C (269.6 °F), and these are maintained at a pressure of 15 to 20 psi. The exact figure for the maximum temperature limit during handpiece sterilization is not provided here, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the standards for the specific equipment used. The autoclave sterilization process typically lasts 20 minutes or more, depending on the volume and nature of material being sterilized. Moist-heat sterilization, achieved through autoclaving, is generally more effective than dry-heat sterilization because the steam penetrates cells better.