Final answer:
The intermediate-level disinfectant no longer recommended for use in dentistry is glutaraldehyde, due to its potential to cause respiratory and skin irritation. Safer alternatives, such as o-phthalaldehyde (OPA), have been developed and are now used in some newer disinfecting products.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical disinfectant classified as an intermediate-level agent that is no longer recommended for use in dentistry is glutaraldehyde.
Glutaraldehyde was once used widely due to its efficacy as a high-level disinfectant, capable of inactivating a broad range of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. It acts as an alkylating agent, replacing hydrogen atoms with an alkyl group and thereby inactivating enzymes and nucleic acids. However, glutaraldehyde has strong fumes that can cause respiratory and skin irritation. This has led to the development of o-phthalaldehyde (OPA), which is less irritating and does not require activation before use, making it a more favorable alternative in many healthcare settings.
Glutaraldehyde has been replaced in some products by OPA, as it has similar efficacy in disinfecting but is less harmful to users. For example, some newer formulations of Cidex use OPA, highlighting a shift away from glutaraldehyde. In addition, hydrogen peroxide, which is considered a peroxygen, remains a popular choice due to its overall safety and breakdown into non-toxic substances.