Effects of alkaline biocides on enterococcus faecalis - An in vitro study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to do a comparative microbial assessment of disinfecting potential of Calcium hydroxide and Bioactive glass against Enterococcus faecalis when used as an intracanal medicament. Thirty single rooted premolars undergoing extraction for orthodontic treatment were selected. Root canals of teeth with fully formed apices were instrumented using size 40 K file 1 mm short of canal length and irrigated with 2.5 % sodium hypochloride and EDTA. Teeth were then suspended in tryptic soya broth (TSB) and autoclaved. Positive control and study teeth, were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis for two weeks in tryptic soya broth. Subsequently teeth were dressed with Calcium hydroxide or Bioactive glass (BAG) suspension for 10 days. Dentin samples were obtained from teeth using ISO size 45 H file to working length, cultured in tryptic soya agar and transferred to TSB for detection of growth by checking the turbidity of broth. Unpaired t test and ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis. Both the alkaline biocides did not show complete elimination of Enterococcus faecalis. Calcium hydroxide had a stronger antibacterial effect than Bioactive glass. Calcium hydroxide was an effective disinfectant.