Which category should a sound extracted tooth be placed in before disposal?

The appropriate category for a sound extracted tooth before disposal is infectious waste (sharps). This classification is due to the potential of the extracted tooth to harbor pathogens, which poses a risk of infection to those handling the waste. In dental practices, any material that has come into contact with bodily fluids or tissues is often treated as potentially infectious, making it critical to handle and dispose of in accordance with strict regulations.

By categorizing the extracted tooth as infectious waste, it ensures that it is disposed of in a manner that minimizes the risk of transmitting infectious agents. This typically involves placing the tooth in a designated sharps container, which is designed to safely hold sharp or potentially hazardous items until they can be properly managed by a medical waste disposal service. Doing so not only adheres to health and safety regulations but also protects both dental practitioners and patients from potential biohazards.