[Microbiological studies of self-disinfecting alginate impression materials]

Using microbiologically experimental methods and observations corresponding to praxis the efficiency of the addition of antiseptics to alginate is evaluated. The addition of chlorhexidine to the alginate leads to a considerable reduction of the amounts of germs, but an one hundred percent disinfection of the alginates is not always performed. An influence of the alginate materials and the water quality on the antimicrobial efficacy of chlorhexidine has been proved. The always occurring contamination of the impression tray rules out a complete stopping of infection between the patient and the laboratory staff.