Removal of latex glove contaminants prior to taking poly(vinylsiloxane) impressions

Sulfur compounds found in latex gloves may be deposited on teeth and ginvia, inhibiting the setting of poly(vinylsiloxane) impression materials. The objective of this in vivo study was to screen a variety of methods to remove these contaminants. Ten patients were each tested with eight decontamination methods. Before each trial, the facial surfaces and adjacent gingiva of the maxillary central and lateral incisors were contaminated with 20 wipes of a latex glove. Decontamination methods included a 30-second rinse with mouthwash, 3% hydrogen peroxide, or air-water syringe; a 30-second toothbursh scrub with water, mouthwash, or hydrogen peroxide; a 30-second cotton pellet-Davidry scrub; and a 30-second cleaning with a prophy cup and pumice. A 10-second water rinse followed each method except the air-water syringe and Cavidry groups. A low-fiscosity poly(vinylsiloxane) impression material was then used to take an impression of the area. To test surface inhibition, teh gingival, tooth, and palatal impression surfaces were wiped with cotton-tipped applicators, and the degree of inhibition was subjectively categorized by two independent investigators. Mechanical decontamination with a toothbrush or pumice was significantly more effective than was rinsing alone, regardless of the solution used.