Dimensional alterations on surgical splints after hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization

Objectives:Dimensional alterations in surgical splints made of acrylic resin used in orthognathic surgery were evaluated after hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization. Methods: Fifteen specimens of resin acrylic was made by a metal model master with three different thickness: 1,5 mm, 3,0 mm and 5,0 mm, totally 45 specimens. Specimens' digital image was acquired before and after sterilization and process by Photoshop® CD2 software. The images were transformed in vector form by Corel Trace® 12 software. The measures were performed by Corel Draw® 12 software. The results were submitted to Wilcoxon statistic method, 0.05 level of confidence. Results: The results showed no statistical differences in 1.5 mm specimens (p≥0,307) before and after sterilization process but, in 3.0 and 5.0 mm, there was at least one measure statistically different (p=0,011 and p=0,017, respectively). Conclusions: It was possible to conclude that the sterilization process did not lead to dimensional alteration but, in higher thickness probably had happen a proportional polymerization contraction.