Analysis of germ reduction methods for maxillofacial prostheses by physical methods

Elke Mucha; Dr. med. dent.; Michael Miller; Dr. med. dent.; Annette Wolf; Dr. med. dent.; Lutz Jatzwauk; Dr. rer.nat. et rer. medic. habil.; Roald Papke; Bernd Reitemeier; Dr. med. dent habil.

Volume : VII, Issue : I, January - 2017

Analysis of germ reduction methods for maxillofacial prostheses by physical methods

Elke Mucha, Dr. Med. Dent. , Michael Miller, Dr. Med. Dent. , Annette Wolf, Dr. Med. Dent. , Lutz Jatzwauk, Dr. Rer. Nat. Et Rer. Medic. Habil. , Roald Papke, Bernd Reitemeier, Dr. Med. Dent Habil.

Abstract :

Maxillofacial prostheses are removable aids used to cover tumor–associated surface defects and are germ–contaminated. Chemical microbicides are useful for germ reduction when used with a proper dosage and exposure time. Chemical stress might be applied onto the contact area of prosthesis and the defect, so practical and easy–to–use physical treatment methods are to be examined in order to reduce germ populations. One example of the maxillofacial prostheses material groups – silicone, polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA) – was included. Test microorganisms were Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Using standardized conditions, physical methods for germ reduction were used: scrubbing, boiling, microwaves and ultrasound. Changes to material parameters mass, color and surface roughness were additionally analyzed. The used statistical method was the WILCOXON – test (α=0.05). Scrubbing achieved an effective germ reduction and should be used weekly, especially for PMMA maxillofacial prostheses. Boiling showed long–term germ reduction. This method should only be used for silicone maxillofacial prostheses. Usage of microwaves or ultrasound is not recommended,