Disinfection of impression materials: A comprehensive review of disinfection methods

Abstract

Impression making is one of the most common procedures that are performed by dentists in day-to-day practice. These impressions can act as vehicles of transmission and carry various types of microorganisms, which further cause diseases like Hepatitis B, C, HIV, Tuberculosis etc. This contamination and cross contamination of microorganisms can be prevented by disinfecting the impressions immediately after removing from the mouth and label them as disinfected. Usually the impressions are placed under running water to remove saliva and blood, but this will eliminate the disease-causing microorganisms, so a standard protocol to disinfect the impressions and casts should be known to dentists and dental personnel. Various methods of impression disinfection like chemical disinfection, Microwave, Autoclave, Ultraviolet radiation have been described in literature having their own advantages, disadvantages and effects on impression material and casts. Recently antimicrobials and nanoparticles have been incorporated into the impression material itself to make it self- disinfecting. This will not only disinfect the impression material from inside but also disinfect the impressions from the time it is inserted in patient’s mouth.  A broad search on the literature available was performed to provide knowledge about mechanism of action, concentration of usage along with commercial preparations available of different disinfectants. This review article will enhance the knowledge and improve the behavior of dental health care workers about impression disinfection.