To assess the handling properties of a single-use intra-oral impression syringe system (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) for use with both VPS and Polyether materials
Methods:
Fourteen UK general dental practitioner (GDP) members of the practice-based research group, The PREP Panel, received instructions, questionnaires and packs of ImpregumTM* or Express 2TM* (*3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) intra-oral syringes, as appropriate to operator usage. The GDPs used the syringes for 10-weeks and returned the questionnaire (designed to evaluate current impressioning techniques, and rate the presentation, instructions, dispensing, and handling properties of the new system). Most responses were on visual analogue scales (VAS).
Results:
All the evaluators generally took full-arch impressions, with the majority using a simultaneous putty/wash or heavy body/light body technique. 71% used the VPS syringes, the remainder used the polyether version. 93% of evaluators stated the instructions were well written, clear and detailed. A total 198 impressions were taken. The new syringes scored well in all the criteria evaluated, the highest scores being for hygiene, suitability for intra-oral application and patient comfort (4.8, 4.5 and 4.4 on a VAS where 1=dissatisfied and 5=satisfied). Other criteria scored included the size of the device, extrusion force, mixing quality, material waste, suitability for intra-oral application, ergonomics, access to difficult areas, ease of intra-oral handling, convenience, design and overall satisfaction. The overall ease of use score was rated the same as the 50ml cartridge hand dispensers that are commonly used to apply wash materials). 73% of evaluators stated they would recommend the new syringes to colleagues.
Conclusions:
Dentists have high satisfaction levels with the new intra-oral syringes as well as with hand dispensers. The new intra-oral syringes were well received by the evaluators as indicated by the high ratings over a wide range of criteria, and the number that would recommend them to colleagues,