Prevention of Cross-contamination Risk by Disinfection of Irreversible Hydrocolloid Impression Materials with Ozonated Water

BACKGROUND: Disinfection of dental impression is mandatory for preventing the cross infection between dental staff and dental laboratory. Ozone as a disinfectant can be used in various ways in dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ozonated water for disinfection of irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials and preventing cross-contamination. METHODS: Thirty-two circular specimens (1 cm diameter and 2 mm thickness) of irreversible hydrocolloid impression material were made. Thirty specimens were contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 51299), and Candida albicans (PTCC 5027). Except control samples (n = 2), the other specimens were immersed in ozonated water for 5 and 10 min (5 sample each group). Trypsin was used for separating microorganisms. Diluted microbial solution was analyzed microbiologically for colony-forming units (CFUs). Two-way repeated measure ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc test were used for data analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The number of CFUs after disinfection with ozonated water was decreased significantly (11.84%, 61.55%, and 20.27% after 5 min and 11.03%, 14.50%, and 16.99% after 10 min for P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and C. albicans, respectively) (P < 0.001). Increasing the time of disinfection resulted in significant reduction in a number of S. aureus only (P < 0.001) although they did not vanish microorganisms completely. CONCLUSIONS: Immersion of irreversible hydrocolloid impression material in ozonated water for 10 min will not lead to complete disinfection but decreases the microorganisms to a level that can prevent infection transmission.