Evaluation and comparison of the effect of autoclave and chemical sterilization on the dimensional accuracy and stability of two elastomeric impression materials-an in vitro study

Abstract

Background: Infection control has been an important parameter in day-to-day dental practice is infection control. But sometimes while the execution of treatment, during impression making an unforeseen complication may arise due lack of proper disinfection protocol which might lead to transfer of infection between patient to other personnel. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the effect of autoclave and chemical sterilization on the dimensional accuracy and stability of two elastomeric impression materials.Methods: A total of 40 impressions were made with a special impression making device with 2 types of elastomeric impression materials polyvinyl siloxane and polyether. The samples were divided into 2 groups, group 1 was chemically disinfected, whereas group 2 was autoclaved of each material respectively. Measurements were made immediately after the impression is made. Immediately after sterilization and 7 days (168 hours) after sterilization.Results: the dimensional accuracy of polyether was seen to be slightly better than polyvinyl siloxane when measured before chemical and autoclave sterilization.Conclusions: The dimensional stability of polyvinyl siloxane was seen to be better than polyether when measured after autoclave and chemical sterilization but is statistically insignificant at a 0.05 level of significance.