A Comparison of the Reproduction of Surface Detail of Three Tissues Conditioning Materials over Time

Statement of Problem: Although the basic use of tissue conditioners is to treat inflamed mucosa, they are also employed as functional impression materials. No information was obtained on the reproduction of surface detail of these materials over time.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the surface quality of three tissue conditioners after being immersed in water for a period of time.Materials and Method: Detail reproduction was determined by using from a ruled test block the same it was specified in ISO Specification 4823. Three tissue conditioners (GC, Acrosoft, and Visco-gel) were evaluated. Samples were made by pouring freshly mixed materials into a ruled test block. The samples were then stored in distilled water for either of the followings periods of time: 0 hour, 24 hours, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days. Subsequently, the dental stone was mixed with distilled water and poured on each sample and allowed to remain for 60 minutes. Then, 25 specimens were prepared. The detail reproduction was determined based on what is specified in ISO Specification 4823. The samples were examined under a stereo-microscope with low-angle illumination. The data was analyzed through running Kruskal-Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney Test.Results: The three materials had minimum standard of detail reproduction. The detail reproduction were more significantly influenced by the time period of immersion in water ( p <0.0005) than the type of the material. The best detail reproduction was pertained to Visco-gel not immersed in water. Acrosoft was less influenced by the time period of immersion in water than the two other types.Conclusion: The detail reproduction may be attributed to chemical composition. The type of material and immersion time had a significant effect, while the effect of the type was less significant. The best time for making functional impressions was ranges from 0 to 24 hours.