Efficacy of Various Disinfectants on Dental Impression Materials

Abstract

Aim: Dental impressions often carry microorganisms that may cause cross infection from patients to dental staff. This in-vivo study evaluated microbial load on impressions (dentulous and edentulous) and the effectiveness of various disinfectants on the reduction of microorganisms from the impression surfaces after immersion and spray disinfection of impressions using five disinfectants for 10 minutes time. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 edentulous and 30 dentulous impressions were made using zinc oxide Eugenol and irreversible hydrocolloid respectively. Disinfectants used were Povidine-Iodine, Sodium Hypochlorite, Glutaraldehyde, Peracetic Acid (as immersion) and Isopropyl Alcohol (as spray). Results: The microbial load on irreversible hydrocolloid impression (dentulous subjects) was observed to be twice than that on the zinc oxide Euginol impression (edentulous subjects). All disinfectants showed reduction in microbial growth. Conclusions: Peracetic Acid was found most effective followed by Glutaraldehyde and Sodium Hypochlorite; the latter disinfectants were comparable in their antimicrobial effect. Povidine-Iodine and Isopropyl Alcohol were found to be less effective than Peracetic Acid, Glutaraldehyde and Sodium Hypochlorite, but were effective than the control group. Disinfection of impression materials should be mandatory to prevent cross-infection.