Aim: Species of Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus,
Actinomyces, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Candida are commonly
seen in the oral cavity. Impression materials are commonly
contaminated with microorganisms. The present study
was conducted to assess the disinfection efficacy of Epimax
and 0.525% sodium hypochlorite on alginate impression over
a period of 10 minutes.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted in the
Department of Prosthodontics in the year 2015. An alginate
impression material was prepared. For each bacteria species,
15 samples were used. Out of 15 samples, 3 were used by 0.525%
sodium hypochlorite for disinfection for 5 minutes and 3 others
for 10 minutes. Similarly, 3 samples were used by Epimax for
5 minutes and other 3 for 10 minutes. Three samples were used
as controls. Each sample was polluted with Candida albicans,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus strains.
Results: There was no statistical difference in P. aeruginosa and
C. albicans after 5 minutes, whereas S. aureus showed significant
difference (p < 0.05). Epimax was found to be more effective
in removing S. aureus as compared with other disinfectants. Both Epimax and 0.525% sodium hypochlorite did not show
significant difference against P. aeruginosa and C. albicans,
whereas significant difference was found between both agents
against S. aureus (p < 0.05). It was seen that Epimax eliminated
S. aureus after 5 minutes and P. aeruginosa after 10 minutes
and 99.8% C. albicans after 10 minutes. About 0.525% sodium
hypochlorite eliminated 99.1% of C. albicans after 10 minutes,
whereas 98.5 and 99% of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were
eliminated after 10 minutes respectively.
Conclusion: Both Epimax and 0.525% sodium hypochlorite can
disinfect the alginate impression material against C. albicans,
P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus strains. However, Epimax was
found to be more effective against S. aureus as compared with
0.525% sodium hypochlorite.
Clinical significance: Efficacy of disinfection of sodium hypochlorite
and Epimax on alginate impression.
