Effect of Ultraviolet C light disinfection on the dimensional stability of dental impression materials: A scoping review of the literature.

Abstract

Background: Ultraviolet C (UVC) light is a physical method proposed for disinfecting dental impression materials and preventing cross-infections in clinical practice. The investigations have focused on the UVC disinfection potential, but little is known about the consequences on dental materials' properties. This scoping review's objective is to evaluate information about the effect of UVC light on the dimensional stability of dental impression materials.

Material and methods: An electronic search of dental literature in the Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, and Embase databases were systematically searched until July 31 of 2024 following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search strategy was carried out considering three groups of words with indexing terms and Boolean operators. Two reviewers selected the titles and analyzed the abstracts according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: A total of six articles were included through electronic database searches. Four studies evaluated the dimensional stability by measuring dental casts made from an impression and two studies measured distances on discs made from stainless steel dies. The studies reported the use of polyether, addition and condensation silicones, alginate, and zinc oxide eugenol in the protocols followed. Three of the six included studies compared the effect of UVC light against glutaraldehyde 2% and sodium hypochlorite (1% or 5.25%), one study compared the UVC light against quaternary ammonium salts, phenoxyethanol, alcohol, and ozone, meanwhile another study compared the effect of UVC light against peracetic acid 0.2%, natural polymer of glucosamine and ozonated water. Regarding measuring devices, only one study reported the use of a measuring software, the majority used traveling microscope.

Conclusions: Based on the findings, UVC light showed no significant dimensional changes in polyether, addition, and condensation silicones. Key words:Disinfection, dental impression materials, ultraviolet light.