Evaluation of Antibacterial Effect and Dimensional Stability of Self-disinfecting Irreversible Hydrocolloid: An in vitro Study.

AIM: This study evaluated the antibacterial activity and dimensional stability of irreversible hydrocolloids mixed with different concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate instead of water.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental specimens (45 specimens) were prepared and allocated into three groups of 15 each. Group I: Impression material mixed with distilled water served as control. Groups II and III were prepared with 0.12 and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution, respectively. Specimens in each group were subjected to tests for dimensional stability. For antimicrobial activity, 30 specimens were prepared and allocated into three groups of 10 each named as group I (control), group II (0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate), and group III (0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate) similar to specimens for dimensional stability. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test.

RESULTS: Zones of inhibition were observed around test specimens, but not around control specimens; there was a significant intergroup difference in the diameters of the inhibition zones. In the test for dimensional stability, no significant differences were detected among groups, and the accuracy was clinically acceptable.

CONCLUSION: Irreversible hydrocolloid impression material mixed with chlorhexidine exhibits varying degrees of antibacterial activity without influencing the dimensional stability of set material.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Many contagious diseases can be prevented by practical control of infection in the dental office. Chlorhexidine gluconate, as a mixing liquid, ensures disinfection of impression, and this method of disinfection is more convenient and avoids extra effort as in other disinfection techniques.