Disinfection of Alginate and Silicon Impressions by Using UV and Blue Light. (in Vivo Study)

Abstract

Background: There is growing concern about the issue of cross-infection in dental clinics and laboratories. There are many methods of disinfection for impression material; but these conventional strategies present several disadvantages. In this study we introduce the UV and blue light as effective savable method for the disinfection of the impression.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the disinfection potential of UV and blue light on alginate and silicon impression material.

Methodology: Forty college students were randomly selected in Collage of Dentistry / University of Kufa during the period between 1 December 2011 to 1 October 2011. And 40 alginate and silicon impressions were taken and grouped according to time of exposure (10 and 20 minutes). Each impression was cultured on blood agar and Mackonky agar before treatment with UV light or blue light, the treatment was done after 10 and 20 minutes; then cultured for bacterial inspection. The data were analyzed statistically using Chi-square test and P-value 0.05. 

Result: The culture showed that all the silicone impressions gave a positive result after treatment with blue light and UV light except a group that treated with UV light for 20 minutes, which showed significant reduction in the bacterial growth. All the alginate impressions give positive culture after treatment with UV and blue light after 10 and 20 minutes.

Conclusion: in this study, we conclude that the silicon impression can be sterilized with UV light when treated for 20 minutes.