title: Comparative Evaluation of Dimensional Accuracy of Elastomeric Impression Materials when Treated with Autoclave, Microwave, and Chemical Disinfection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Impression materials during impression procedure often get infected with various infectious diseases. Hence, disinfection of impression materials with various disinfectants is advised to protect the dental team. Disinfection can alter the dimensional accuracy of impression materials. The present study was aimed to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of elastomeric impression materials when treated with different disinfectants; autoclave, chemical, and microwave method.
  
  
  METHODS
  The impression materials used for the study were, dentsply aquasil (addition silicone polyvinylsiloxane syringe and putty), zetaplus (condensation silicone putty and light body), and impregum penta soft (polyether). All impressions were made according to manufacturer's instructions. Dimensional changes were measured before and after different disinfection procedures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dentsply aquasil showed smallest dimensional change (-0.0046%) and impregum penta soft highest linear dimensional changes (-0.026%). All the tested elastomeric impression materials showed some degree of dimensional changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study showed that all the disinfection procedures produce minor dimensional changes of impression material. However, it was within American Dental Association specification. Hence, steam autoclaving and microwave method can be used as an alternative method to chemical sterilization as an effective method.
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, MIDS Dental College, Latur, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Suresh S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Kamble
authors.affiliation: Consultant, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Apollo Victor Hospital, Goa, India.
authors.forename: Rakshit Vijay
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Khandeparker
authors.affiliation: Faculty member, Department of Prosthodontics, Mahsa Dental College, Mahsa University, Kulalumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Somasundaram
authors.affiliation: Senior Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Rau, Indore, MP, India.
authors.forename: Shweta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Raghav
authors.affiliation: BDS, Private Practitioner, Shimoga, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Rashmi P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Babaji
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department Orthodontics, Malabar Dental College, Manoor, Malappuram, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: T Joju
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Varghese
keywords: Autoclave; chemical; dimensional changes; elastomeric; impression material; microwave