Dimensional Stability of Autoclave Sterilised Addition Cured Impressions and Trays

Abstract - The aim of this study was to investigate the dimensional accuracy of impressions following sterilisation by autoclaving. Dental impressions (75) were of a dentoform containing 6 reference points. The impressions were split into 5 groups of 15, each group used a different impression technique. Groups were divided into 3 subgroups with 5 impressions as control, 5 for disinfection by Perform-ID and 5 being autoclaved. Measurements were made using a travelling light microscope. A minimal significant dimensional difference (0.01<P<0.05) was observed when using the one-stage impression method. No significant dimensional differences were observed for all other groups (P>0.05). The trays and materials tested were suitable for the autoclave sterilisation.

KEYWORDS: impressions, trays, stability, sterilisation, autoclave