What can result from heat sterilization of extracted teeth?

The correct answer identifies a significant risk associated with heat sterilization of extracted teeth, particularly concerning the presence of dental amalgam fillings that might contain mercury. When teeth with amalgam restorations are subjected to heat sterilization, the mercury in these fillings can vaporize. The vaporization produces toxic mercury fumes that can pose serious health hazards to anyone exposed to them, especially to dental personnel who may be involved in the sterilization process.

While the other choices address various concerns regarding the sterilization process, option B directly relates to the chemical and health risks associated with heat treatment of organic materials that contain mercury. Understanding this risk is crucial for safety protocols in dental practices, emphasizing the importance of handling extracted teeth carefully, particularly if they are amalgam-containing.

In contrast, the destruction of dental materials refers to the physical integrity of tooth structure being compromised, which is a potential outcome but not as significant a health concern as mercury vaporization. The transformation of teeth into non-biohazardous waste is not assured through heat sterilization alone since any biological materials or pathogens may still pose risks. Lastly, while there is a potential reduction in transferability of pathogenic organisms through proper sterilization techniques, this focus does not address the specific and immediate health hazard presented by