Evaluation of the Use of Leftover Graft Materials in Dentistry Procedures

Objective: We evaluated the use of leftover graft materials in dental procedures, the sterilisation methods used, and the storage conditions and durations under which leftover graft materials (LGMs) were stored. Materials and Methods: An online survey of 200 Turkish dentists was conducted. The survey consisted of 14 open-ended and multiple-choice questions. Information was sought about the types of grafts the dentists used, their frequency of use, the use of LGMs, whether such LGMs were sterilized before use, and their preferences regarding storage conditions before use. Results: Overall, 81.3% of dentists stated that they used LGMs. Of them, 69.6% did not sterilise the material before use. Also, 59.9% of the dentists thought that LGMs could be used after the package had been opened. When the branch distribution and years of practice of the dentists who answered the question "What do they do with the remaining graft materials after the first use?" were evaluated, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. When the distribution of dentists who answered the question "Do you re-sterilize the graft before use?" was examined according to their branches, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. Conclusions: LGMs are frequently used by Turkish dentists after the package has been opened. Future studies should determine the risk of cross-infections and the bioactivity of LGMs.