Sterilization process for used dental implants?

Last Updated: Apr 12, 2013

If we attempt to install an implant, but cannot for whatever reason and the implant becomes contaminated, is there a way to resterilize the implant so we can use it again? I believe that some implant manufacturers sterilize their implants with radiation exposure. But in the typical dental office that is not possible. Can we resterilize the implant without destroying its reactive surface? Or is this simply a matter of one-time use and discard if we cannot install?

4 Comments on Sterilization process for used dental implants?

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Dr Sarvesh

04/12/2013

the implants once used can not be reused because surface will react with oxygen and form an oxide form once used. So, the implant should be discarded.

CRS

04/13/2013

Ask your implant company on their return policy for a "dropped" implant, some will swap out an implant for a restocking fee or partial credit. Good Luck.

Brett Murphey

04/16/2013

I have read that there is actually a decent rate of success when an implant fails and you reinsert however, I agree with the earlier statement of check with your implant company and see if they will reimburse you for an implant in this situation. In your situation if you are placing an implant into an osteotomy and have to remove it for any reason and then you need to reinsert it, I have never had a problem with reinserting it at that point. Most of this issue revolves around your definition of being contaminated, I guess. I predominately use M I S implants. Their policy is if you drop an implant they will not replace it however if you have an implant that fails they will replace it.

Dr. Trevor

04/16/2013

Hold on to them (if your implant company will not take them back) they work fine as lab analogs.

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