The anti-microbial effect against enterococcus faecalis and the compressive strength of two types of mineral trioxide aggregate mixed with sterile water or 2% chlorhexidine liquid

The purpose of this in vitro study was 2-fold: First, to compare the antimicrobial effect of gray and tooth-colored mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) when mixed with sterile water or 2% chlorhexidine. Second, to compare the compressive strengths of the MTA/chlorhexidine versus MTA/sterile water samples. The antimicrobial effect test was accomplished by placing freshly mixed MTA samples on agar plates inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and comparing the zones of inhibition at 24 hours. In the compressive strength test, MTA pellets were allowed to set for 72 hours and then compressed to fracture by using an Instron testing machine. Values were recorded and compared. In the antimicrobial effect experiment, the zones of inhibition were significantly larger for samples mixed with 2% chlorhexidine. In the compressive strength study, statistical evaluation showed no significance due to variability. However, data revealed that MTA mixed with sterile water always had higher compressive strengths than MTA mixed with chlorhexidine.