The request to keep an extracted tooth is common in dental practices, and the answer is usually yes. However, the process requires following regulated safety and procedural protocols. Because a freshly extracted tooth is considered a biological specimen, these steps are necessary before it can be released. This ensures the safety of both the dental staff and the patient by managing the biohazardous nature of the material.
Regulatory Status of Extracted Teeth
Extracted teeth are classified under national and regional guidelines as regulated medical waste, specifically biohazardous material. This classification is due to the presence of blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) adhering to the tooth upon removal, posing a risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens.
Infection control guidelines dictate that contaminated biological matter must be handled with specific precautions. If the tooth is not requested, it is disposed of in a specialized medical waste container, often called a “red bag.”
When the tooth is released to the patient, it is no longer subject to occupational safety standards. However, the transfer must be preceded by a decontamination process. The office performs this process to ensure the tooth is rendered safe for the patient to handle and transport outside the clinical setting.
Formal Requirements for Patient Release
Before a patient takes possession of their extracted tooth, the dental office must complete a thorough decontamination process. This involves carefully cleaning the tooth to remove all visible traces of blood and soft tissue remnants. This physical removal of debris is immediately followed by chemical disinfection.
Disinfection commonly involves immersing the tooth in a diluted solution of sodium hypochlorite, typically a 1:10 mixture of household bleach and water. This chemical soak neutralizes infectious agents, rendering the surface safe for handling. Once disinfected and rinsed, the tooth is placed in a sealable container for transport.
The release process often requires the patient to sign a liability waiver or informed consent form. By signing, the patient acknowledges the disinfection and assumes responsibility for its safe handling and storage. Special considerations apply to teeth containing dental amalgam fillings, as these cannot be heat-sterilized due to the risk of releasing toxic mercury vapor.
Pathological Exceptions and At-Home Care
Pathological Exceptions
There are specific instances where a dental practice cannot release an extracted tooth. If the tooth or attached tissue is suspected of containing pathological material, such as a cyst, tumor, or other abnormal growth, it must be submitted for laboratory analysis. In such cases, the tooth becomes a medical specimen required for biopsy and accurate diagnosis.
At-Home Care
Once the tooth has been properly disinfected and released, patients should ensure its long-term preservation to prevent degradation. The tooth should be stored in a sealed, shatter-proof container, such as a small glass or hard plastic jar. To prevent the tooth from drying out and becoming brittle, it can be kept submerged in a simple preservation medium like saline solution.
Alternative storage methods include storing the tooth dry after thorough cleaning, but this can make the tooth fragile over time. Regardless of the chosen method, the container should be clearly labeled with the date of extraction and kept in a secure, cool, and dry location.