Comparison of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Two Antibiotics Sparfloxacin and Augmentin as Experimental Root Canal Irrigating Solutions against Enterococcus faecalis - An Invitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: One of the main goals of endodontic treatment is root canal disinfection and to prevent subsequent chances of reinfection. Adjuvant to instrumentation, root canal irrigants are required to eliminate the bacteria found on the root canal walls and lateral canals within the dentinal tubules. Aim: To measure and compare the antibacterial efficacy of two antibiotics as experimental root canal irrigating solutions against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Materials and Methods: Fifteen Brain Heart Infusion agar plates were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis-American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 29212. 5 micrograms (mcg) Sparfloxacin discs, 30mcg Augmentin discs, and sterile paper test discs saturated with 2% Chlorhexidine (CHX), 3% Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 5% NaOCl solutions were placed on agar plates. Sodium Chloride 0.9% (NaCl) paper discs were used as controls. Fifteen plates were incubated aerobically at 37˚C. Results were expressed as per the terms of the diameter of the inhibition zone. Results: Results suggested a statistically significant difference in the zones of inhibition between five irrigating solutions (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although, zones of inhibition were found in all the groups, 5mcg Sparfloxacin and 30mcg Augmentin showed maximum antimicrobial activity against E.faecalis.

Keywords

• antibacterial sensitivity
• disinfection
• endodontic treatment
• irrigation