[Question #11377] Truly sad question from a sad person

14 months ago

In early January , in a highly reputable dental clinic ( I live on the US East Coast), I had a tooth extraction with the dental bone graft. It healed perfectly, and 1 month ago a titanium implant was placed, again with no issues. However, for some reason, it just dawned on me that it was an allograft ( cadaver donor). It was clearly explained to me at the time that the other option was cutting me up for my own piece of bone, which was not attractive at all. I liked the clinic, the doctor, and just wanted to be done with it, so I accepted. Now I cannot stop ruminating about whether I could have been exposed to HIV or Hep C?! In the meantime I researched as much as I could, I now how sterilized all that is, and I also talked to the doctor, who additionally explained that they bone grafts come from accredited , FDA approved tissue banks, and he also explained the process of sterilization, including Gamma irradiation and basically de-cellularization. He said: it has no DNA in it, it is literally mineral. I know millions of people get bone grafts, I know how rigorous process is, but I would love to hear from you, it would make me feel better. Or maybe I should just test ( again, in spite of not having sex for years, which makes me so sad and hopeless). I regretted that I accepted allograft, but too late now. Thank you much.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

14 months ago

Welcome back to the forum. I read your four previous questions going back a few years. In them you acknowledged your OCD and the inflated fears it brings about HIV and other blood borne infections. This question is similar; I'm sure you recognize that you are overreacting due to your underlying OCD.

There has never been a reported case of HIV or hepatitis C transmitted by bone allograft. This alone should reassure that you are not at risk. I'm not an expert in the biology or anti-infection procedures that make bone allografts safe, but your doctor's explanation sounds accurate. I will add that the donors (cadaver or otherwise) also are tested to assure they do not have these infections. You are not at risk of these or any other blood borne infection on account of the allograft. There also is no good reason for you to have decided on a life of celibacy on account of the risk of such infections.

As you undoubtedly realize, the ultimate answer to your sadness lies in understanding and treatment of the underlying psychological disorder. That is beyond the realm of this forum, but I hope you are receiving appropriate care for it.

HHH, MD

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14 months ago

As always, it is so good to hear your words Dr. Handsfield. I appreciate you response ,and your compassion. I want you to know that you always make me feel so much better. Do you know people personally who received dental bone grafts (allograft). It seems that in the dentistry allograft are most commonly used because they produce very good results ( autografts are not so popular because a patient basically must have two operations). Thank you again

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

14 months ago

Thanks for the thanks.

I've had a dental bone allograft myself. It worked fine and it didn't enter my mind to ask or worry about a blood borne infection as a result.

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14 months ago

Thank you so much for everything. I wish you all the best!

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

14 months ago

Thanks for the thanks. Best wishes to you as well.---