The dimensional stability of dental impression materials following immersion in disinfecting solutions.
OBJECTIVE
This investigation examined the effect of several disinfectant systems upon the dimensional stability of a range of common dental impression materials. A new disinfection process based upon hypochlorous acid was one of those examined (Sterilox).


METHODS
Test specimens of commercially available impression materials from the following categories were investigated: alginates, addition-cured silicones, condensation-cured silicones and polyether. Three disinfection regimes were tested: sodium hypochlorite 5.25%, Perform ID and Sterilox. A custom-built automatic laser micrometer was used to measure the dimensions of sample discs of the test materials before disinfection, immediately after and then following 24h storage. Analysis of variance was employed to identify statistically significant differences within groups and across groups.


RESULTS
All the disinfection routines tested resulted in acceptable levels of dimensional stability within the category of normal use of each impression material. All the materials tested can be disinfected with 10% Sterilox without undergoing unacceptable levels of dimensional change.


CONCLUSIONS
All the disinfection routines tested resulted in acceptable levels of dimensional stability within the category of normal use of each impression material.
Martin
N
N
Department of Adult Dental Care, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom. n.martin@sheffield.ac.uk
Martin
M V
MV
Jedynakiewicz
N M
NM
D000464:Alginates; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D019551:Dental Disinfectants; D003760:Dental Impression Materials; D004987:Ethers; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D006997:Hypochlorous Acid; D007101:Immersion; D003765:Models, Dental; D011145:Polyvinyls; D012833:Siloxanes; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite; D013997:Time Factors
D000464:Alginates; D019551:Dental Disinfectants; D003760:Dental Impression Materials; D004987:Ethers; D011145:Polyvinyls; D012833:Siloxanes; C118085:superoxidized water; C034183:vinyl polysiloxane; D006997:Hypochlorous Acid; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite