Antibacterial Efficacy and Effect of Chlorhexidine Mixed with Irreversible Hydrocolloid for Dental Impressions: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to evaluate whether chlorhexidine mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid powder decreases microbial contamination during impression taking without affecting the resulting casts. Twenty volunteers were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10) according to the liquid used for impression taking in conjunction with irreversible hydrocolloid: 0.12% chlorhexidine or water. Surface roughness and dimensional stability of the casts were evaluated. Chlorhexidine mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid decreased the percentage of microorganisms when compared with water (P .001) but did not affect the surface quality or dimensional stability of the casts. Mixing chlorhexidine with irreversible hydrocolloid powder is an alternative method to prevent contamination without sacrificing impression quality.