Stability analysis of elastomeric impression materials after antimicrobial disinfection

Abstract

Impression materials used for replication of dental structures frequently come into touch with blood and saliva during the impression operation. Hence, disinfection of impression mistrials is needed. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the effects of three different disinfectants on the antibacterial activity and dimensional stability of the elastomeric impression material. According to American Dental Association (ADA) specification number 19 compliant, a stainless steel master die was constructed. Using vinyl polysiloxanes (VPS) impression medium, thirty samples were produced on this die in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. To finish the disinfection process, thirty samples were randomly assigned to each of the three groups: Group I consisted of diluted water (control group), Group II consisted of 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and Group III consisted of ozone gas and Group IV - UV radiation. The dimensional stability was evaluated using a stereomicroscope with a 20x magnification and image research software. The antibacterial efficacy of each disinfectant was assessed. In the VPS impression material, the control group exhibited the greatest number of dimensional changes, with ozone gas and 5.25% NaOCl showing the least amount of dimensional changes. The groups were found to differ statistically significantly from one another. The results of the investigation indicate that the VPS elastomeric impression showed very minor dimensional changes when submerged in different disinfectants. In a clinical setting, samples cleaned with 5.25% hypochlorite can be kept for a long time because the consequent dimensional changes are minimal. Ozone gas, UV radiation and sodium hypochlorite showed a reduction in the amount of bacteria.

Keywords: Disinfection; dimensional changes; elastomeric impression; sterilisation.