title: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials on sterilization methods of extracted human teeth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to evaluate the efficiency of different sterilization methods on extracted human teeth (EHT) by a systematic review of in vitro randomized controlled trials.
  
  
  METHODS
  An extensive electronic database literature search concerning the sterilization of EHT was conducted. The search terms used were "human teeth, sterilization, disinfection, randomized controlled trials, and infection control." Randomized controlled trials which aim at comparing the efficiency of different methods of sterilization of EHT were all included in this systematic review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 1618 articles obtained, eight articles were selected for this systematic review. The sterilization methods reviewed were autoclaving, 10% formalin, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, 3% hydrogen peroxide, 2% glutaraldehyde, 0.1% thymol, and boiling to 100°C. Data were extracted from the selected individual studies and their findings were summarized.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Autoclaving and 10% formalin can be considered as 100% efficient and reliable methods. While the use of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, 3% hydrogen peroxide, 2% glutaraldehyde, 0.1% thymol, and boiling to 100°C was inefficient and unreliable methods of sterilization of EHT.
authors: Private Dental Practitioner and Consultant Endodontist, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: J Sylvia
authors: JS
authors: Western
authors: Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, No. 9, Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara PJU5 Selangor, Malaysia.
authors: Daniel Devaprakash
authors: DD
authors: Dicksit
keywords: Autoclaving; extracted human teeth; formalin; sterilization methods; systematic review