Accuracy of Irreversible Hydrocolloid Impression Material Mixed With Disinfectant Solutions

Purpose Irreversible hydrocolloid is capable of resisting contamination by viruses and saliva when the disinfectant iodine or the disinfectant chlorhexidine is added to the water being used to mix the material. This study investigates the accuracy of alginate impressions made with water to which either of the two disinfectants has been added. Materials and Methods A total of 30 casts were made from an impression of a master cast. Ten impressions were made using water according to the manufacturer's instructions, ten were made using water to which iodine had been added, and ten were made using water to which chlorhexidine had been added. A measuring microscope was used to measure three different dimensions on each cast. Each measurement was repeated three times, and the average was used to compute the mean and standard deviation for each measured dimension. The data were statistically evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance. Results There was no statistical difference in the accuracy of irreversible hydrocolloid impressions mixed with water or with either of two disinfectant solutions. Conclusion Accurate casts can be obtained when either of the two disinfectants are incorporated into the alginate impression material.