Accuracy of Impression Material During COVID-19 after Sterilization- In vitro Study

Aims: The goal of this research is to assess the effect of steam autoclave sterilization due to the impact of Covid-19 on the accuracy of the elastomer impression materials.

Study Design: In vitro study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah; Saudi Arabia, between June 2021 and November 2021.

Methodology: The following materials were used in this study: fully dentate master cast, metal trays, elastomer impression material (addition silicon), type IV stone. Forte impressions made using the metal tray and elastomer impression materials. The impressions were separated equally into two groups: Control group (C.G), untreated impressions. Sterilized group (S.G): Impressions were sterilized by using the steam autoclave. To make stone castings for each group, they were poured with type IV stone. The traveling microscope was used to evaluate the impression material's dimensional accuracy and detail reproduction with and without autoclave sterilization.

Results: The cross-arch distance (X) of the master model was measured (41.29 mm), While the cross arch distance (X) in the control group (C.G) of the untreated impressions had a mean and standard deviation of 41.492 ± 0.150 mm. In the tested group (S.G) : the sterilized impression, we found the cross-arch distance (X) had a mean and standard deviation of 41.628 ± 0.223 mm. The master model's Anteroposterior distance (A-P) was measured (21.12 mm). For the control group (C.G) : we found the mean and standard deviation value reading of the A-P distance were 20.899 ± 0.79 mm. For (S.G) group: we found the mean and standard deviation reading of the A-P distance were 19.992± 0.482 mm.

Conclusion: Steam autoclave sterilization of the elastomer impression material should be considered carefully, especially when fabricating fixed partial dentures. If the impression material is to be used in making diagnostic castings, conventional steam autoclave sterilization of the elastomers impression material may be sufficient for patients.