Effectiveness of Low-flow High-ozone Concentration Disinfection of Dental Impressions: A Comparative Study to Immersion Disinfection

Abstract

Aims: To examine the effectiveness of low-flow high-ozone concentration disinfection of dental impressions, by means of an automated prototype device. Methodology: Disc shaped dental addition-cured silicone was inoculated with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, 10 mm discs were removed and ozone disinfected for different time intervals, immersion disinfected or served as controls. Disinfection success was examined by using the viable plate count method, while the statistical analysis was conducted via one way-ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: Significant eradication was observed for selected Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria after 3 minutes of ozone exposure, leading to complete disinfection of the samples. Conclusion: While immersion disinfection of dental impressions is currently the most widely accepted method of disinfecting dental impressions, low-flow high-ozone concentration disinfection provides a quick, efficient, fully automated alternative method, limiting liquid waste generation. Possible alterations of the materials’ physical and chemical properties, like those of immersion disinfection, are not included in the present manuscript. A precise automated method for impression disinfection is established, relieving the dental team of possible cross-contamination.