Comparative evaluation of glutraldehyde, UV radiation, herbal and autoclave for disinfection of impression materials

Abstract

Background: There is a chance of cross infection between dental clinics and dental laboratories with contaminated impression materials. Objectives: The present study was conducted to compare glutraldehyde, UV radiation, herbal and autoclave method of disinfec-tion of impression materials. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of Prosthodontic. It comprised of 40 alginate impression materials which were disinfectant with 2.2% glutraldehyde, UV radiation, herbal product and autoclave. The pre and post bacterial count was assessed. Results: The mean pre microbial contamination in group I was 366.1, in group II was 302.7, in group III was 345.8 and in group IV was 338.4. One-way ANOVA test was applied which revealed non-significant difference (P> 0.05) in CFU in all groups. The mean post microbial contamination in group I was 68.1, in group II was 74.2, in group III was 125.3 and in group IV was 26.8. Maximum reduction was observed in group IV, followed by group I, II and III. One-way ANOVA test was applied which revealed significant difference (P< 0.05) in CFU in all groups. Conclusion: Authors found that autoclave is the better method of sterilization compared to use of glutraldehyde, UV radiation and herbal disinfectant.