How is an alginate impression disinfected?

Disinfecting alginate impressions is crucial to ensure safety and prevent cross-contamination. The correct method involves spraying the alginate impression with an intermediate level disinfectant. This approach effectively reduces microbial contamination while being appropriate for the material’s composition, as it maintains the integrity of the impression without altering its accuracy.

Using an intermediate-level disinfectant is recommended because it can kill a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, that may be present on the surface of the impression. This type of disinfectant strikes a balance between efficacy and safety for the impression material.

Other methods, such as immersing the impression in hot water or submerging it in bleach solution, could potentially damage the alginate material, leading to distortion or loss of detail, which is critical for the resulting dental work. Wiping with alcohol wipes may also prove ineffective since alcohol can cause the impression to dry out or shrink, compromising the quality and accuracy needed for dental procedures.