Effects of autoclaving and disinfection on 3D surgical guides using LCD technology for dental implant

Surgical guides can improve the precision of implant placement and minimize procedural errors and their related complications. This study aims to determine how different disinfection and sterilization methods affect the size changes of drill guide templates and the mechanical properties of 3D-printed surgical guides made with LCD technology.

We produced a total of 100 samples. Forty surgical guides were fabricated to assess the implant drill guides’ surface and geometric properties. We subjected sixty samples to mechanical tests to analyze their tensile, flexural, and compressive properties. We classified the samples into four groups based on each analytical method: GC, which served as the control group; GA, which underwent autoclave sterilization at 121 °C (+ 1 bar, 20 min); GB, which underwent autoclave sterilization at 134 °C (+ 2 bar, 10 min); and GL, which underwent disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol for 20 min.

The results show that sterilization at 121 °C and 134 °C affects the mechanical and geometric characteristics of the surgical guides, while disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol gives better results.

Our study of 3D-printed surgical guides using LCD technology found that sterilization at high temperatures affects the guides’ mechanical and geometric properties. Instead, disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol is recommended.