METHODS OF DISINFECTING IMPRESSIONS

Disinfection of impression materials can be done by either immersing the impression in the
disinfectant solution or by spraying the surface of the impression with disinfectant solution

The current protocol for disinfecting hydrocolloid impressions recommended by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention is to use household bleach (1-to-10 dilution),0.5% sodium
hypochlorite,1:213 iodophors, or synthetic phenols as disinfectants. After the impression has been
rinsed thoroughly, the disinfectant can be sprayed liberally on the exposed surface. The impression is
then immediately wrapped in a disinfectant-soaked paper towel and placed in a sealed plastic bag for
10 minutes. Finally, the wrapped impression is removed from the bag, unwrapped, rinsed, and shaken
to remove excess water. The impression is then poured with the stone of choice. An alternative
disinfection method is by immersion, but this should not exceed 10 minutes

Zinc Oxide Eugenol Immersion in 2% glutaraldehyde Iodophors or Chlorine compounds.

Impression Compound Immersion in 1:10 dilution sodium hypochlorite or iodophor for specified
time period.[14]

ELASTOMERIC IMPRESSION MATERIALS

Polysulphide and Addition Silicone: Glutaraldehyde, Iodophor, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite should be
used for not more than 30 minutes.

Recent advances have autoclavable addition silicone impression material (poly vinyl siloxane –
affinis)

Polyether: Spraying in iodophor, 0.5% Sodium hypochlorite should be used. Prolonged immersion
causes some distortion. Polyether shows dimensional changes on immersion in 2% glutaraldehyde.

Table given in Anusavise