The effect of elastomeric impression materials on the growth of micro-organisms

The influence of elastomeric impression materials on the growth of micro-organisms was examined in vitro. Bacillus subtilis was inoculated into broth containing impression materials and incubated at 37 degrees C for 72 hours. Express STD Putty, President Putty and Jet-Light Body, Low and Very High Viscosity Permagum and Provil L stimulated growth whereas Impregum-F and Express Light Body inhibited growth. The influence of Impregum-F and Express Light Body on oral micro-organisms was investigated further. Broth extracts were prepared by soaking these materials in Todd Hewitt broth for either 5 or 10 minutes. Thereafter, the extracts were inoculated with oral strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, incubated at 37 degrees C for 72 hours and plated on blood and Sabourauds agar to test for the presence of viable micro-organisms. The 10-minute broth extracts killed all the test isolates which suggests that impressions taken with Impregum-F and Express Light Body may not require disinfecting.