European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Dental impressions are categorized under semi-critical objects in dental practice and require high level disinfection or sterilization. Sterilization in an autoclave will compromise the dimensional accuracy of the impression hence it is not feasible. Until 1991, the recommended procedure for disinfection of impression was rinsing under running water with which only 40% of bacteria, viruses and fungi were removed and potential for transmission of microorganisms remained there. In recent times, a pre wash of the impression with running water is advocated first to cast off all particles, blood and saliva prior to active disinfection procedure. Disinfection of dental impression should be a routine procedure in the dental office and dental laboratory. However, most of the dental professionals in private clinics, hospitals, dental schools and prosthetic laboratories are not following the required protocols for impression disinfection. Keeping in view the above findings, it is of utmost importance to raise the level of awareness in dental professionals involved in any process of handling, transportation, processing and storage of the dental impressions.
With this background ,the aim of this review is to generate an update on the various techniques of impression disinfection along with their mechanism of action , dimensional stability ,cause of infection on impression material and effects of disinfectant on impression materials.