A self-disinfecting irreversible hydrocolloid impression material mixed with chlorhexidine solution

Abstract

Objective: To examine the antibacterial effect and several physical properties of an irreversible hydrocolloid impression material mixed with chlorhexidine solution.

Materials and methods: The experimental irreversible hydrocolloid specimens were prepared and allocated into four groups (Group0.1 g/L, Group0.2 g/L, Group0.5 g/L, Group1.0 g/L) according to the concentrations of chlorhexidine solution used as the mixing liquid. Specimens mixed with distilled water served as a control. The antibacterial effect, three-dimensional accuracy, flowability, and setting time were tested. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance and a Tukey test, which was used for multiple comparisons (alpha=.05).

Results: Zones of growth inhibition were observed around the test specimens, but not around the control specimens, and there were significant intergroup differences in the diameters of the inhibition zones. In the accuracy test, no significant differences (P>.05) were detected among all the measurements for all groups, and the accuracy was clinically acceptable. Also, no significant differences in the flowability (P=.987) and setting time (P=.103) were detected.

Conclusion: Chlorhexidine self-disinfecting irreversible hydrocolloid impression material can exhibit varying degrees of antibacterial activity without influencing the three-dimensional accuracy, flowability, and setting time.