Effect of disinfectant agents on dimensional stability of elastomeric impression materials

Abstract

Statement of problem: Difficulties in sterilizing impressions by traditional methods have led to chemical disinfection as an alternative, and some studies have shown that disinfectants may adversely affect impressions.

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of disinfection methods on the dimensional stability of 6 elastomeric materials.

Material and methods: Impression materials were submitted to the following treatments: immersion in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution for 10 minutes, immersion in 2% glutaraldehyde solution for 30 minutes, and no immersion (control). After treatments, impressions were poured, and respective stone casts were measured with a Nikon Profile projector and compared with the master model.

Results: The elastomeric materials had different reproduction capacities, and the disinfecting treatments did not differ from the control.