Expiration Dates for Implants Has Passed: Can I Still Use Them?
Dr. K. asks:
I have a number of implant fixtures that have expiration dates that have expired. Does this mean that I should consider them contaminated or potentially contaminated with bacteria? The implants are in sealed containers so how would they become contaminated? Does it matter if the implants have been sterilized with irradiation or other means? Is one method of sterilization more stable than another? The company will not exchange new implants for the ones with the expired dates. Is there a definite reason why I still could not use these in a patient?
12 Comments on Expiration Dates for Implants Has Passed: Can I Still Use Them?
New comments are currently closed for this post.
Ljungberg
2/1/2011
Actually, there is no evidence to support the validity for the expiry date of a sterilised package. If it is really expired as mentioned, you may contact the manufacturer or agent if they could be exchanged. Many agents would provide this kind of after-sale service.
Dr Mario Marcone
2/1/2011
A fairly recent article published in IJOMI (2005) by Dr Philip Worthington stated ...
" ...several implant components in their original glass vial and peel-back packages were subjected to sterility testing to determine whether the contents remained serile after their expiration dates marked on the package had passed. The result from a university microbiology laboratory showed that the contents remained sterile for 6-11 years after the expiration dates...Even if the peel-back were to be damaged, the glass vial (if intact) could be re-sterilized by heat, and the contents should be safe to use.
Reference:
Sterility of packaged Implant Components, International Journal of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Implants,(20), 2005
Ljungberg
2/1/2011
Therefore, expiry date is just a liability issue. It just indicates that you should take your owned risk when you are using "expired" implants. It does not indicate whether the expired implant is contaminated or not.
Ralph Alman
2/2/2011
In my state there is a presumption in the regulations of the dental practice act that use of any material, device, drug, etc with an expiration date after expiry constitutes "unprofessional conduct". You might want to check your own state's regulations and decide from there. Good luck.
Dr Mario Marcone
2/2/2011
Absolutely, it definitely becomes just a liability issue.
Matthias Matthes
2/9/2011
Mario, hi! Nice to meet you. Was great in Belgrade.
Regarding the issue - Beside the question of sterility it is big issue of liability, especially it might happen an infection....
Dr. Martin
2/10/2011
Just a question regarding BioOss. I was told by a dentist that when has used some BioOss and there still is a lot in the bottle, he resterilizes it (keeps it in the bottle) and uses it for another patient. Can you dó this? Does the BioOss structure support a sterilisation?? The thought has crossed my mind, particularily when I only uses a small amount of thr BioOss from the bottle, and have to throw the rest out (it is costly)
Matthias
2/10/2011
Hi Dr.Martin,
if you check the FAQ of BioOss you will find that it is not approved for resterilisation.
Beside this it will also be a question of liability...
renato Oliveira
2/11/2011
of course not,if you are looking for the trouble
Richard Hughes, DDS. FAAI
2/11/2011
This is just like expiration dates on bottled water Of course you can! Get real.
Truth
2/11/2011
The question is:
WHO SHOULD USE A PRODUCT THAT DOES NOT RESORB!
Dr. Martin
2/11/2011
Hi Matthias, yeah I am aware of FAQ regarding BioOss, which says : "resterilization with dry heat is not recommended". Want to emphasize "not recommended", which isn´t really a contra-indication. Of course Geistlich is also looking at this from a business point of view :-) But I do have in mind that resterilization of BioOss may have a disrupting effect on the BioOss mineralstructures (which may be the reason why it is sterilized with y-irradiation?). But do any of you out there have any experience with BioOss resterilization? What do you think??
