Histomorphometric Analysis of Contaminated Autogenous Tooth Graft Materials After Various Sterilization

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate histomorphometrically contaminated autogenous tooth graft materials, which were resterilized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The intentional defects (diameter: 8 mm, depth: 4 mm) were formed around implant fixture on the iliac crest of 6 mongrel dogs. Autogenous tooth graft materials were made by extracted premolars. After the contamination of the tooth materials, graft procedure was performed; no contaminated group (control group), contaminated groups (nonsterilization group [group 1], ethylene oxide [EO] gas group [group 2], and autoclave group [group 3]). The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and the new bone formation rate (NBFR) were evaluated after sacrifice. RESULTS: The BIC and NBFR of groups 1 and 3 were significantly lower than the control group after 4 weeks. The BIC and NBRF of group 3 were significantly lower than the control group after 8 weeks. However, the BIC and NBRF of group 2 was not significantly different comparing with the control group after 4 and 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Sterilization using EO gas may be more favorable than high-pressure sterilization in cases the reuse of contaminated autogenous tooth graft materials.