Is It Safe to Reuse Dental Implant Healing Abutments Sterilized and Serviced by Dealers of Dental Implant Manufacturers? An In Vitro Sterility Analysis

Abstract

Reuse of healing abutments can be cost effective in dental practice. However, used abutments sterilized and serviced by dental implant dealers might be a source of cross-infection. They should therefore be cleaned and resterilized before reuse as a precaution.

In‐Vitro Study of the Contamination Remaining on Used Healing Abutments after Cleaning and Sterilizing in Dental Practice

“…Some companies also collect these used components, clean sterilize and repackage them for sale. 1 Studies have confirmed that titanium HAs can be adequately sterilized, 2 and in some instances the form of sterilization can produce an increase in soft tissue cell adhesion and spread over a clean titanium surface. 3,4 However, recent studies have indicated that some of these components may not be as clean or sterile as previously thought and questioned the safety of re-use.…”

“…HAs are generally designated by the manufacturer for single use, though it is common practice that many clinicians clean and sterilize this component, often re‐using (recycling) it for economic reasons. Some companies also collect these used components, clean sterilize and repackage them for sale . Studies have confirmed that titanium HAs can be adequately sterilized, and in some instances the form of sterilization can produce an increase in soft tissue cell adhesion and spread over a clean titanium surface .…”

Should Healing Abutments and Cover Screws for Dental Implants be Reused? A Systematic Review

“…In dentistry, there are several devices that are reused across patients encompassing all dental specialties, such as surgical instruments, burs, bone saws, endodontic files, periodontal instruments, orthodontic devices, x‐ray holders, and several instruments in pediatric dentistry. In implant dentistry, common examples of ad‐hoc reusable devices include surgical instruments, surgical handpieces, surgical drills, bone cutting burs, impression copings, and many more . Examples of in‐situ reusable devices in implant dentistry include healing abutments, cover screws, abutments, abutment screws, and prosthetic screws.…”

“…By definition, healing abutments and cover screws are “in‐dwelling” or in‐situ interim devices, and healing abutments and cover screws have traditionally been reused by dentists for economic reasons . However, the definitions for healing abutments and cover screws as defined by the Glosssary of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants and the Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms do not specify whether they are reusable.…”

“…However, the definitions for healing abutments and cover screws as defined by the Glosssary of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants and the Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms do not specify whether they are reusable. Though many implant manufacturers anecdotally designate healing abutments for single use, some companies gather the used healing abutments, clean, sterilize, and repackage them for sale . Healing abutment contamination comes from a variety of sources, such as saliva, epithelial cells, food debris, and blood .…”