Evaluation of effect of incorporating 0.5% Chloramine-T as disinfectant in type III gypsum product on its setting time and abrasion resistance

Abstract

Background: Laboratory bacterial cross-contamination is very high in dentistry, to avoid this disinfection is a necessity. Gypsum products are a medium of cross infection between the dentist and the laboratory personnel. The purpose of this study was to determine, if Chloramine-T is added as a disinfectant in the gypsum type III material, then are there any changes in the setting time and abrasion resistance of the gypsum. Methods: For setting time vicat needle apparatus (Brand- AIMIL Ltd.) was used for two groups one with Chloramine-T (Group-1) and one without Chloramine-T (Group-2) as disinfectant. For abrasion resistance a two body wear test was used, testing was done in two groups one with Chloramine-T (group-3) and one without Chloramine-T (Group-4) as disinfectant. For both the tests, each group had 35 samples. Pre weight and post weight of the samples were recorded for both control and experimental groups to measure abrasion resistance. For setting time the initial setting time was recorded for both the groups. Results: It was discovered that the mean value calculated for setting time was 0.08 seconds more than the control group which is significant statistical value but this difference does not make a significant change while clinically manipulating gypsum as the initial setting time is 4-6 minutes. Also the difference in the mean value was not found as statistically significant for abrasion resistance of type III gypsum product before adding Chloramine-T between the control and experimental group. Conclusions: The physical features of dental stone are unaltered with the addition of Chloramine-T as a disinfected for type III gypsum product and hence it can be utilised for all of its dental applications. Gypsum product added with Chloramine-T as a disinfectant will prevent cross-contamination from occurring and help in maintaining the sanitisation.