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Sterilization of teeth by gamma radiation
J M White1, H E Goodis, S J Marshall
1UCSF School of Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry 94143-0758.
Journal of Dental Research
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Gamma irradiation effectively sterilizes extracted teeth without altering dentin structure. This method preserves tooth properties for in vitro research, unlike other sterilization techniques.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Research
- Microbiology
Background:
- Extracted teeth are crucial for in vitro dental research.
- Sterilization is necessary for infection control but can alter tooth structure.
- Existing methods may compromise tooth properties for research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate gamma irradiation as a sterilization method for extracted teeth.
- To determine if gamma irradiation affects dentin structure and properties.
- To compare gamma irradiation with other common sterilization techniques.
Main Methods:
- Determined sterilization dose using a Bacillus subtilis inoculated tooth model.
- Assessed dentin permeability, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and optical properties.
- Compared effects of gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide, dry heat, and autoclaving on dentin disks using FTIR and UV/VIS/NIR spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Sterilization achieved above 173 krad using Cesium-137.
- Gamma irradiation did not alter dentin permeability or optical properties.
- Gamma irradiation showed no detectable spectral changes (FTIR, UV/VIS/NIR), unlike other methods.
Conclusions:
- Gamma irradiation is an effective sterilant for extracted teeth.
- It preserves dentin structure and properties, making it suitable for research.
- It offers a superior alternative to ethylene oxide, dry heat, and autoclaving for dental research applications.