The effect of current infection control procedures and application times on the dimensional stability of dental impression materials

Abstract

Aims: In this study, the effects of different disinfection and sterilization methods and their application duration on the dimensional stability of impression materials were evaluated. Methods: Two impression materials, condensation (CS) and addition silicone (VPS), disinfectants with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) immersion, 3% hydrogen peroxide immersion and steam autoclave were selected. Disc-shaped samples (n=112) were obtained in 7 subgroups of each material (n=8). Sixteen untreated samples served as controls. Dimensional change was measured with a digital micrometer in the reference lines on the sample. Results: The highest mean percentage of dimensional change for the 50 min autoclave was 0.10±0.03% for CS and 0.10±0.02% for VPS. The dimensional change in CS did not differ for hydrogen peroxide. Compared with the controls, dimensional change was significant in 20 min NaOCl and 50 min autoclave (p<0.05). Both impression materials in the autoclave showed statistically significant dimensional changes regardless of the time. The difference in application duration significantly affected the dimensional stability of the impression materials regardless of the procedure (p<0.001). Extended application duration did not affect the dimensional stability in the hydrogen peroxide for CS, NaOCl and autoclave for VPS. Conclusions: Chemical disinfection and autoclave sterilization caused statistically significant but clinically acceptable dimensional changes in CS and VPS impression materials used in this study.