Antibacterial Effect of Alcohol-combined Quaternary Ammonium Compound on Impressions

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of an alcohol-combined quaternary ammonium compound on irreversible hydrocolloid impression made in vivo.

Methods: Thirty maxillary impressions were made from irreversible hydrocolloid. The impressions were rinsed with tap water for 10 sec, after which 9 specimens were punched out from the hard palate and divided into 3 groups: Group 1(Control) was untreated, Group 2 was sprayed with 0.5 % NaOCl, and Group 3 was sprayed with an alcohol combined with quaternary ammonium compound (Zeta3). Each group was left for 10 min before being submerged in tryptic soy broth and incubated at 37°c for 24 hrs. Broth was used to measure OD at 600 nm. Statistical analysis was performed by randomized block design analysis and a post hoc test.

Results: The mean OD values ± SE in the 3 groups were 0.654 ± 0.036, 0.01 ± 0.002, and 0.004 ± 0.001, respectively. The mean OD values obtained from Groups 2 and 3 were significantly lower than that of control. Moreover, the mean OD value in Group 3 was also significantly lower than that of Group 2.

Conclusion: Under the limited conditions of the present study, it can be concluded that alcohol combined with quaternary ammonium compound could potentially be used as a bactericidal agent on irreversible hydrocolloid impressions. This compound also possessed more potent bactericidal properties than 0.5% NaOCl.