ROLE OF DISINFECTANTS ON ALGINATE IMPRESSION MATERIALS

Abstract

Alginate is classified as elastic aqueous irreversible impression materials. Alginate is referred to as irreversible due to the fact that once set in a semi-solid form, it cannot get converted back. They are widely used in contemporary dentistry for impression making particularly in partially edentulous subjects. Primary reasons for its wide usage is that it is economical compared to other impression materials. In addition to it, a minimum armamentarium is needed for its manipulation. Disinfection of alginate impression materials is necessary for prevention of cross-contamination. In alginate impressions, microbial load is transferred from three to five times than other impression materials. Pre wash of the impression under running water is advocated primarily to cast off all particles including blood and saliva prior to active disinfection procedure.It should be mandatory to disinfect alginate impressions. Alginate also undergoes dimension changes if it is kept in a disinfectant for an extended period of time.But still there is no routine method of disinfection of dental impressions that is accepted by dental professionals. It is the responsibility of the dentist to make appropriate choices of disinfection methods for different impression materials.This review primarily focuses on the effects on disinfection on alginate impression material.