Effect of autoclave sterilization on nickel ion release from stainless steel crowns and space maintainer bands

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of autoclave sterilization on the leaching of nickel ions from stainless steel crowns and space maintainer bands used in pediatric dentistry. Sixty space maintainer bands and 60 stainless steel crowns were divided into sterilized (Amsco Century V-120 Prevac steam sterilizer) and non-sterilized groups. These samples were immersed in artificial saliva, placed in individual petri dishes, and then incubated at 37°C. The samples were analyzed for 42 days using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) machine to quantify the release of nickel ions. Nickel release was higher in the sterilized samples than in the non-sterilized samples for both space maintainer bands and stainless steel crowns. This trend persisted throughout most days of the experiment, with a peak release observed on day 7. Autoclave sterilization had a significant impact on ion release, raising potential concerns regarding the material's biocompatibility. Dentists should be mindful of the increased nickel release observed from sterilized crowns and bands, as this information could influence treatment decisions, especially in children who are predisposed to allergies.