Moscow, Moscow, Russian Federation
Moscow, Moscow, Russian Federation
employee
Moscow, Moscow, Russian Federation
Moscow, Moscow, Russian Federation
employee
Tobolsk Branch of Tyumen Industrial University (Department of Electric Power Engineering, Professor of the Department)
employee
Novosibirsk, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
UDC 616.31
Modern surgical dentistry widely uses three-dimensionally printed surgical guides to ensure accurate transfer of a digital plan into clinical practice. The subject of this study was the effect of disinfection and sterilization on the accuracy, fit, mechanical properties, surface condition, and microbiological safety of such devices. The aim of the study was to perform a systematized analysis of current publications devoted to the effects of different processing protocols on three-dimensionally printed dental surgical guides. The study hypothesis was that the effect of processing is determined not only by the method of decontamination, but also by the material, printing technology, post-curing regimen, and geometry of the structure. The study was conducted as a systematized literature review. The analysis included original experimental studies evaluating steam sterilization, chemical disinfection, low-temperature processing methods, and their effects on functionally significant characteristics of surgical guides. Data synthesis was performed narratively, as the studies differed in materials, manufacturing technologies, processing protocols, and assessed outcomes. The obtained data showed that processing prior to clinical use has a measurable impact on guide properties. Steam sterilization at a lower temperature generally appears to be more sparing than a high-temperature regimen; however, it may also alter fit and mechanical properties. Chemical disinfection more often preserves geometry but cannot be considered a substitute for sterilization. Low-temperature methods represent a promising alternative for heat-sensitive materials. The choice of a processing protocol should be based on a verified combination of material, printing technology, post-processing, and sterilization regimen, and should be confirmed by control of the guide’s accuracy and safety.
three-dimensionally printed surgical guides, disinfection of surgical guides, sterilization of surgical guides, dimensional stability of surgical guides, fit accuracy of surgical guides, systematic review
1. Khorsandi D., Fahimipour A., Abasian P., Saber S.S., Seyedi M., Ghanavati S. et al. 3D and 4D printing in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery: Printing techniques, materials, and applications. Acta biomaterialia. 2021;122:26-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2020.12.044
2. Mihit Mihit F.Z., Zubizarreta-Macho Á., Montiel-Company J.M., Albaladejo Martínez A. Systematic review and network meta-analysis of the accuracy of the orthodontic mini-implants placed in the inter-radicular space by image-guided-based techniques. BMC Oral Health. 2023;23(1):383. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-023-03079-8
3. Shi Y., Wang J., Ma C., Shen J., Dong X., Lin D. A systematic review of the accuracy of digital surgical guides for dental implantation. International journal of implant dentistry. 2023;9(1):38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40729-023-00507-w
4. Tahmaseb A., Wu V., Wismeijer D., Coucke W., Evans C. The accuracy of static computer-aided implant surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical oral implants research. 2018;29 (Suppl 16):416-435. https://doi.org/10.1111/clr.13346
5. Valls-Esteve A., Lustig-Gainza P., Adell-Gomez N., Tejo-Otero A., Englí-Rueda M., Julian-Alvarez E. et al. A state-of-the-art guide about the effects of sterilization processes on 3D-printed materials for surgical planning and medical applications: A comparative study. International journal of bioprinting. 2023;9(5):756. https://doi.org/10.18063/ijb.756
6. Cai H., Xu X., Lu X., Zhao M., Jia Q., Jiang H.B. et al. Dental Materials Applied to 3D and 4D Printing Technologies: A Review. Polymers (Basel). 2023;15(10):2405. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15102405
7. Sharma N., Cao S., Msallem B., Kunz C., Brantner P., Honigmann P. et al. Effects of Steam Sterilization on 3D Printed Biocompatible Resin Materials for Surgical Guides-An Accuracy Assessment Study. Journal of clinical medicine. 2020;9(5):1506. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9051506
8. Marei H.F., Alshaia A., Alarifi S., Almasoud N., Abdelhady A. Effect of Steam Heat Sterilization on the Accuracy of 3D Printed Surgical Guides. Implant Dentistry. 2019;28(4):372-377. https://doi.org/10.1097/ID.0000000000000908
9. Putra R.H., Yoda N., Astuti E.R., Sasaki K. The accuracy of implant placement with computer-guided surgery in partially edentulous patients and possible influencing factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Prosthodontic Research. 2022;66(1):29-39. https://doi.org/10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_20_00184
10. Page M.J., McKenzie J.E., Bossuyt P.M., Boutron I., Hoffmann T.C., Mulrow C.D. et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ. 2021;372:n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
11. Khalil R.T., Alshimy A., Elsherbini E., Abd-Ellah M.E. The microbiological effect of virgin coconut oil on the morphological and volumetric dimensional changes of 3D printed surgical guides (in vitro study). BMC Oral Health. 2022;22(1):636. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-022-02671-8
12. Török G., Gombocz P., Bognár E., Nagy P., Dinya E., Kispélyi B. et al. Effects of disinfection and sterilization on the dimensional changes and mechanical properties of 3D printed surgical guides for implant therapy - pilot study. BMC Oral Health. 2020;20(1):19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-020-1005-0
13. Pop S.I., Dudescu M., Mihali S.G., Păcurar M., Bratu D.C. Effects of Disinfection and Steam Sterilization on the Mechanical Properties of 3D SLA- and DLP-Printed Surgical Guides for Orthodontic Implant Placement. Polymers (Basel). 2022;14(10):2107. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14102107
14. Labakoum B., Farhan A., Taleb L.B., Mouhsen A., Lyazidi A. Effects of autoclaving and disinfection on 3D surgical guides using LCD technology for dental implant. 3D printing in medicine. 2024;10(1):14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-024-00214-1
15. Sîrbu I., Custura A., Radu A., Vasilescu V.G., Nastasie V., Antoniac V.I. et al. Dimensional Stability of SLA 3D-Printed Surgical Guide Resin After Steam Sterilization (121 °C and 134 °C) and Isopropyl Alcohol Disinfection: An In Vitro Study. Dentistry Journal. 2026;14(4):204. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14040204
16. Alshammari S.M., Alhaddad A.J., Marghalani T.Y., Babeer W.A., Abuzinadah S.H. Dimensional Accuracy of a Sterilized and Disinfected 3D-Printed Surgical Guide: An In Vitro Study. Microorganisms. 2025;13(11):2457. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13112457
17. Marturello D.M., Déjardin L.M. Post-sterilization Dimensional Accuracy of Methacrylate Monomer Biocompatible Three-Dimensionally Printed Mock Surgical Guides. Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology. 2023;36(6):279-286. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1768991
18. Go H.B., Kim G.T., Yu J.H., Yoon Y., Kwon J.S. Clinical Implications of Sterilization Methods Applied to 3D-Printed Implant Surgical Guides: An In Vitro Study. International dental journal. 2026;76(2):109444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2026.109444
19. Yazigi C., Chaar M.S., Busch R., Kern M. The Effect of Sterilization on the Accuracy and Fit of 3D-Printed Surgical Guides. Materials (Basel). 2023;16(15):5305. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155305
20. David S., Hüfner M., Rauch N., Kerberger R., Drescher D., Brunello G. et al. Impact of Autoclaving on the Dimensional Stability of 3D-Printed Guides for Orthodontic Mini-Implant Insertion - An In Vitro Study. Clinical and experimental dental research. 2025;11(1):e70111. https://doi.org/10.1002/cre2.70111
21. Gielisch M., Heimes D., Thiem D.G.E., Boesing C., Krumpholtz M., Al-Nawas B. et al. Steam-sterilized and degradable fused filament fabrication-printed polylactide/polyhydroxyalkanoate surgical guides for dental implants: Are they accurate enough for static navigation? International journal of bioprinting. 2022;9(2):655. https://doi.org/10.18063/ijb.v9i2.655
22. Rexin D., Avila D., Castillo A., Moreno K., Tan E., Limmeechokchai S. et al. C.E. Credit. Effect of Steam Sterilization on Accuracy of 3D Printed Implant Surgical Guides: A Pilot Study. Journal of the California Dental Association. 2024;52(1):2284931. https://doi.org/10.1080/19424396.2023.2284931
23. Burkhardt F., Handermann L., Rothlauf S., Gintaute A., Vach K., Spies B.C. et al. Accuracy of additively manufactured and steam sterilized surgical guides by means of continuous liquid interface production, stereolithography, digital light processing, and fused filament fabrication. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. 2024;152:106418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106418
24. González-Barnadas A., Ribas-Garcia A., Jorba-García A., Figueiredo R., Valmaseda-Castellón E., Camps-Font O. Impact of Autoclaving on the Dimensional Stability of 3D-Printed Surgical Guides for Aesthetic Crown Lengthening. Journal of Functional Biomaterials. 2025;16(8):284. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16080284



