Effectiveness of Sterilization and Disinfection of Extracted Human Teeth for Institutional Use: A Case Control Study conducted at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the most effective method of sterilization and disinfection of extracted human teeth for  use in dental colleges..

Study Design: Case Control study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at OMFS & Microbiology Department, KMDC, Karachi from June 2013 to December 2013.

Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted human teeth (n=50) were obtained and sent for bacteriological processing. Teeth were dividing into 5 groups; samples were taken pre and post treatment. A platinum wire loop was flamed in red heat and cooled; sample was inoculated in enrichment media. Plates were placed in incubator at 37̊C for 48 hours. Colony count was noted to observe the quantity of microorganism, which determines the efficacy of the sterilizing method.

Results: The results of the study revealed that the autoclave, hot air oven had shown no growth. While 5 % sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide and normal saline had shown positive growth of microorganisms.

Conclusion:  Autoclave and Hot air oven are effective methods of sterilization of extracted human being teeth for use in dental college in preclinical settings.