Evaluating the Influence of Spray and Immersion Disinfection on the Dimensional Accuracy of Impression Materials: A Comprehensive Review.

Effective infection control in dental practice is essential, particularly during impression-making procedures that risk transmitting pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B. This review evaluates how spray and immersion disinfection methods affect the dimensional accuracy of impression materials. A comprehensive search of electronic databases identified studies assessing the impact of these disinfection techniques on various materials. The findings indicate that elastomeric materials such as addition and condensation silicones and polysulfides, maintain dimensional stability with both methods. In contrast, hydrocolloids such as alginate and polyether are more prone to distortion, especially with prolonged immersion in sodium hypochlorite or glutaraldehyde. Spray disinfection, when applied for short durations, minimizes dimensional changes and is preferred for hydrocolloids. Glutaraldehyde, particularly in spray form, proved more compatible than sodium hypochlorite. The review emphasizes that disinfection protocols should be material-specific, balancing microbial control with preservation of impression accuracy. Standardized guidelines are needed to ensure optimal clinical outcomes.