An In Vitro Study to Evaluate and Compare the Flow Property of Different Commercially Available Zinc Oxide Eugenol Impression Materials

INTRODUCTION: Impression making is one of the most important steps in prosthodontic rehabilitation of edentulous patients. Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) impression paste is the most commonly used material for complete denture wash impression due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of manipulation, while providing the advantage of ability to record fine minute tissue details. Rheological property like flow is a critical factor influencing the success of any impression material, especially in intraoral conditions. Therefore, with so many brands of commercially available impression materials flooding the markets, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the flow property of four commercially available ZOE impression materials under simulated intraoral condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The testing method used was according to the American Dental Association (ADA) specification no. 16 for ZOE impression pastes. RESULTS: At room temperature, maximum flow was seen with Denzomix followed by Dental Product of India (DPI), Neogenate, and Cavex in descending order, respectively, at 30 s, 1 min, and 10 min of load application. At 37°C in saliva, maximum flow was seen with Denzomix followed by Neogenate, DPI, and Cavex in descending order, respectively, at 30 s, 1 min, and 10 min of load application. Of the four ZOE impression pastes, only the flow of Cavex was considerably less than ADA specified value. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: Results obtained from this study showed that there is considerable variation in the flow values of different commercially available ZOE impression materials. Change in temperature and presence of saliva had a significant influence on the flow of ZOE impression materials.