A 12.5% virgin coconut oil solution as an alginate impression material disinfectant

To prevent cross-infection, alginate dental impression molds need to be disinfected by immersion. Furthermore, 12.5% virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been shown to be an effective oral antimicrobial agent. However, alginate impression material exhibits both imbibition and syneresis, so the immersion can affect the size and shape of the impression. Immersion in 1% sodium hypochlorite or 2% glutaraldehyde solutions increase dimensions by 0.1-0.2%. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of immersion in 12.5% VCO on the dimensions of alginate dental impressions. Seventy alginate impressions were marked at three points with a tripod device and either immersed in 12.5% VCO for 5 min or incubated in air for 5 minutes. The distances between the marked points were then measured using calipers. There was a significant increase in the distances between the points in the VCO group compared with the control (p < 0.001). While 12.5% VCO treatment results in an increase in alginate impression size, the increase is comparable to that produced by sodium hypochlorite and glutaraldehyde solutions and within the acceptable limits provided by the American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association's (ANSI/ADA) specification no.18.