All heat sensitive instruments must be?

Heat-sensitive instruments require careful handling to ensure patient safety and instrument integrity. These instruments cannot withstand high temperatures that are typically necessary for steam sterilization, which is a common method for sterilizing dental tools.

Exposing heat-sensitive instruments to a chemical agent is an effective alternative to achieve sterility. Chemical agents can provide the necessary disinfection without exposing the instruments to damaging heat. This process ensures that the instruments are safe for reuse while maintaining their functionality and structural integrity.

The other options suggest either disposal or single-use practices, which are not practical or environmentally sustainable approaches in dentistry. Using chemical agents allows for the reuse of instruments, reducing waste while ensuring that patients receive safe and sterilized tools during their dental treatments.