The accuracy and efficacy of disinfection by spray atomization on elastomeric impressions

Five disinfectants applied by spray atomization were examined for possible dimensional distortion of elastomeric impression materials, polyether, polysulfide, and addition silicone, and the associated improved, type IV gypsum casts. The disinfectants did not affect, in a clinically significant manner, the three dimensions measured with an instrument accurate to 1 micron on improved gypsum casts that reproduced a stainless steel standard. The master cast represented two teeth of a fixed partial denture prepared for complete veneer retainers. The use of control casts from elastomeric impressions that were not treated with the disinfectants further supported previous investigations reporting the accuracy of dental casts as the function of the impression material. The use of a spray disinfectant will not appreciably alter the dimensional accuracy of improved stone casts made within elastomeric impressions. The most accurate stone cast system was produced by addition silicone impressions disinfected by a surface spray. It was also shown that four of the disinfectants applied by spray atomization were effective in disinfecting the surface of an elastomeric impression material contaminated with selected test organisms.