Dimensional stability of dental impressions after immersion disinfection

Disinfection of dental impressions via short-term immersion in 0.5% or 1% sodium hypochlorite does not significantly affect the dimensional accuracy of the resultant casts. In addition, immersion in glutaraldehydes, povidone-iodine diluted in water, or halogenated phenol has no apparent effect on the dimensional stability of rubber impression materials. The results of this study support the use of immersion disinfectants for treatment of impressions for study models or removable dental appliances or prostheses. Coupled with the findings of other authors, the data suggest that such disinfection also would be suitable for rubber base and vinyl polysiloxane impressions for cast restorations. Given the need for infection control in the treatment of all dental patients, the results of this study support the recommendations of the American Dental Association for disinfection of dental impressions via immersion in an appropriate disinfectant solution.