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Review
. 2025 Jul 28;17(7):e88921.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.88921. eCollection 2025 Jul.

Evaluating the Influence of Spray and Immersion Disinfection on the Dimensional Accuracy of Impression Materials: A Comprehensive Review

Abhilasha Masih  1 , Ranjeet R Gandagule  1 , Ankita Tiwari  2 , Elampavai Elangovan  3 , Elanangai E  4 , Vivek Choukse  1 , Nikita Saini  5
Affiliations
Review

Evaluating the Influence of Spray and Immersion Disinfection on the Dimensional Accuracy of Impression Materials: A Comprehensive Review

Abhilasha Masih et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Effective infection control in dental practice is essential, particularly during impression-making procedures that risk transmitting pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B. This review evaluates how spray and immersion disinfection methods affect the dimensional accuracy of impression materials. A comprehensive search of electronic databases identified studies assessing the impact of these disinfection techniques on various materials. The findings indicate that elastomeric materials such as addition and condensation silicones and polysulfides, maintain dimensional stability with both methods. In contrast, hydrocolloids such as alginate and polyether are more prone to distortion, especially with prolonged immersion in sodium hypochlorite or glutaraldehyde. Spray disinfection, when applied for short durations, minimizes dimensional changes and is preferred for hydrocolloids. Glutaraldehyde, particularly in spray form, proved more compatible than sodium hypochlorite. The review emphasizes that disinfection protocols should be material-specific, balancing microbial control with preservation of impression accuracy. Standardized guidelines are needed to ensure optimal clinical outcomes.

Keywords: dental infection control; dimensional stability; immersion disinfection; impression materials; prosthodontics; spray disinfection.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Overview of study selection and data extraction process
This figure has been created by the author
Figure 2
Figure 2. Key impression materials in dental practice
This figure has been created by the author
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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