Sterilization Analysis of Contaminated Healing Abutments and Impression Copings

Abstract

This study investigated sterilization of used implant impression copings and healing abutments. Components were analyzed after contamination with Enterococcus foecalis, followed by multiple rounds of sterilization by both steam autoclave and Chemiclave protocols. The authors' results demonstrated that used components showed sterility equal to new components without any visible distortion. These data suggest that component resterilization and reuse may be justified or at least considered in clinical practice. Also, implications for cost savings in the placement of implants are advanced.