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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Confocal Time Lapse Imaging as an Efficient Method for the Cytocompatibility Evaluation of Dental Composites
Published on: November 9, 2014
Purpose:
To determine the cross-infection potential of impression compound as used clinically in certain developing country settings.
Materials And Methods:
Microbiological tests were conducted on impression compound that are reused at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Fiji, to detect the presence of bacteria. Swabs of impression compounds were taken to identify the critical points at which bacteria may survive on the compound leading to the potential introduction of organisms into a patient's mouth. For plates showing growth, colonies were observed and identified using Gram staining, Microbact identification kits and other biochemical tests.
Results:
Transfer of viable organisms from patient's mouths was found on the compound at all stages of the impression process. Improper disinfection and storage of impression compound and trays allowed for the introduction of hospital pathogens on the compound that were not initially present from the patients.
Conclusion:
Financial constraints may tempt the reuse of impression compound; they should however not be reused on different patients and appropriate universal precautions must be followed to decrease the likelihood of cross-contamination.
Insights
Impression compound reuse poses a cross-infection risk, as bacteria transfer from patients and hospital environments. Proper disinfection and avoiding reuse between patients are crucial to prevent pathogen transmission.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Microbiology
- Infection control
Background:
- Impression compound is frequently reused in developing countries due to financial constraints.
- The potential for cross-infection from reused dental impression materials is a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cross-infection risk associated with the clinical reuse of dental impression compound.
- To identify bacterial contamination points on reused impression compound.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological testing of reused impression compound from Fiji.
- Swab sampling to detect bacterial survival points.
- Bacterial identification using Gram staining and biochemical tests.
Main Results:
- Viable microorganisms were transferred from patients' mouths at all impression stages.
- Inadequate disinfection and storage introduced hospital pathogens onto the compound.
- Bacteria persisted on impression compound even after reprocessing attempts.
Conclusions:
- Reuse of impression compound between patients is strongly discouraged.
- Adherence to universal precautions is essential to mitigate cross-contamination risks.
- Financial limitations should not compromise patient safety regarding dental material reuse.
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