Effective Analysis of the Use of Peracetic Acid after Instrumentation of Root Canals Contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of peracetic acid (PAA) in cleaning root canals contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis.

Methods

Sixty first and second mandibular molars were used. Their mesiobuccal canals were prepared with the Reciproc System (VDW, Munich, Germany). The canals were irrigated with 10 mL saline during instrumentation. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 20), according to the irrigation solution to be used after instrumentation: group PAA (5 mL 1% PAA), group EDTA/sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (5 mL 17% EDTA followed by 5 mL 2.5% sodium hypochlorite), and group S (5 mL saline). Microbiological samples were collected before instrumentation and after final irrigation. Bacterial quantification was performed by counting the number of colony-forming units (CFUs/mL). The results were analyzed by the nonparametric Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results

The 3 groups showed a significant reduction (P < .05) in CFUs/mL after final irrigation. PAA and NaOCl associated with EDTA produced a significantly higher reduction in CFUs/mL (P < .05) compared with saline. There was no statistically significant difference between PAA and EDTA + 2.5% NaOCl (P > .05).

Conclusions

According to the results of the present study, the effectiveness of 1% PAA was similar to that of 17% EDTA + 2.5% NaOCl in cleaning curved root canals contaminated with E. faecalis.     

几种根管冲洗液组合对粪肠球菌感染根管体外抗菌研究

目的：比较本实验室研制的根管润滑剂与不同浓度次氯酸钠组合用于粪肠球菌感染根管预备冲洗的抗菌效果。方法：将145颗单根管人离体牙消毒,随机选取5颗置于无菌培养基中培养作为阴性对照,其余140颗接种粪肠球菌4周,按照不同的冲洗组合随机分为14组,使用ProTaper器械按照冠根向深入法进行机械预备,分别在预备冲洗前、预备冲洗中和预备冲洗后进行细菌取样培养计数,并进行统计学分析。结果：与双氧水联合生理盐水组以及蒸馏水对照组相比,各处理组在冲洗过程中与冲洗结束后,均不同程度的降低了根管中的细菌的数量,其中含5.25%次氯酸钠的四种组合处理后菌数减少最为明显,较其它各组差异显著。结论：本实验室研制的根管润滑剂与5.25%次氯酸钠组合抗菌效果最佳,与G lyde凝胶配合次氯酸钠组没有显著差异。     

Evaluation of the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite used with three irrigation methods in the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis from the root canal, in vitro

The effectiveness of 4.0% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) used with three irrigation methods in the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis from the root canal was tested in vitro . Root canals contaminated with E. faecalis were treated as follows: (i) irrigation with 2 mL of NaOCl solution and agitation with hand files; (ii) irrigation with 2 mL of NaOCl solution and ultrasonic agitation; (iii) irrigation with NaOCl alternated with hydrogen peroxide. Contaminated canals irrigated with sterile saline solution served as the control. Paper points used to sample bacteria from the root canals were transferred to tubes containing 5 mL of brain heart infusion (BHI) broth. Tubes were incubated and the appearance of broth turbidity was indicative of bacteria remaining in the root canal. There were no statistically significant differences between the experimental groups. However, NaOCl applied by the three methods tested, was significantly more effective than the saline solution (control group) in disinfecting the root canal.     

Effect of MTAD on Enterococcus faecalis-contaminated root canals of extracted human teeth

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the antimicrobial effect of MTAD (a mixture of a tetracycline isomer, an acid, and a detergent) with that of NaOCl with and without EDTA. Eighty-five extracted human teeth were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis for 4 weeks. After biomechanical instrumentation using 1.3% or 5.25% NaOCl as root canal irrigant, the root canal and the external surface of each tooth were exposed to a 5-min application of MTAD, 1.3% NaOCl, 5.25% NaOCl or a 1-min application of EDTA followed by irrigation with 5 ml of 1.3% NaOCl or 5.25% NaOCl. Teeth or dentin shavings were cultured to determine presence or absence of the test bacteria. Fisher's exact test showed that the combination of 1.3% NaOCl as a root canal irrigant and MTAD as a final rinse was significantly more effective against E. faecalis than the other regimens. The chi2 test showed no difference between the other regimens.     

5种冲洗剂组合对前牙直根管清洁效果的比较

目的：比较5种冲洗剂组合对前牙直根管的清洁效果。方法：25颗离体直根管前牙,随机分为5组,不锈钢K锉常规法预备根管．应用5种冲洗剂组合进行冲洗。第1组：根管器械预备期间和预备结束后依次用1％NaOCl和3％H2O2冲洗;第2组：根管器械预备期间用1％NaOCl冲洗,预备结束后用17％EDTA冲洗;第3组：根管器械预备期间和预备结束后依次用1％NaOCl和17％EDTA冲洗：第4组：根管器械预备期间依次用17％EDTA和1％NaOCl冲洗,器械预备结束后用17％EDTA冲洗;第5组：根管器械预备期间依次用17％EDTA、1％Triton X-100(表面活性剂)和1％NaOCl冲洗．器械预备结束后用17％EDTA冲洗。每组冲洗剂剂量和冲洗时间均为22ml和7min。将牙纵劈后进行扫描电镜观察。结果：第1组,根管壁上见典型玷污层结构和大量杂质和残屑。第2组在根管冠、中1／3能部分去除玷污层．根尖1／3残留大量玷污层。第3组虽然能有效去除玷污层．但会引起牙本质小管中度腐蚀。第5组在根管冠、中1／3能部分去除玷污层,但根管壁上黏着大量杂质和残屑．此外还存在重度腐蚀现象。第4组根管清洁效果最好,且对牙本质小管无腐蚀性。结论：在严格控制冲洗时间和顺序的情况下,联合应用17％EDTA和1％NaOCl能有效去除玷污层．且不会腐蚀牙本质小管。     

根管预备尺寸对Er:YAG激光消毒效果的影响

目的 比较Er:YAG激光在不同根管预备尺寸情况下的消毒效果。方法 368颗离体上颌单直根管前牙,随机分为8组,机用K3镍钛锉预备至以下尺寸: A1组和B1组（#25/0.06）、A2组和B2组（#30/0.06）、A3组和B3组（#35/0.06）、A4组和B4组（#40/0.06）。高压灭菌后,A组接种粪肠球菌,B组接种白念菌。每组冲洗方法均为Er:YAG激光+3% NaOCl,Er:YAG激光+17% EDTA,Er:YAG激光+生理盐水,然后收集各组处理后根管壁表面微生物样本,进行微生物培养和计数,采用GraphPad Prism 5.02软件包分析各组绝对残留菌落数及菌落相对残留率。结果 Er:YAG激光对粪肠球菌与白念菌的消毒效果在预备尺寸为#40/0.06最佳,#35/0.06次之。#40/0.06、#35/0.06的消毒效果与#30/0.06、#25/0.06相比,差异显著（P＜0.05）。结论 在#25/0.06～#40/0.06根管尺寸范围内,Er:YAG激光联合3% NaOCl、17% EDTA和生理盐水冲洗上颌前牙单直根管时,根管预备尺寸不应小于#30/0.06。     

Chemomechanical reduction of the bacterial population in the root canal after instrumentation and irrigation with 1%, 2.5%, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite

Given the importance of bacteria in the development of periradicular lesions, the eradication of the root canal infection is paramount in endodontic treatment. This study evaluated the in vitro intracanal bacterial reduction produced by instrumentation and irrigation with 1%, 2.5%, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or saline solution. Root canals inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis were instrumented and irrigated with the solutions tested. Canals were sampled before and after preparation. After serial dilution, samples were plated onto Mitis salivarius agar, and the colony-forming units grown were counted. Inhibitory effects of the three NaOCl solutions on E. faecalis were also evaluated by means of the agar diffusion test. All test solutions significantly reduced the number of bacterial cells in the root canal (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the three NaOCl solutions tested (p > 0.05). Nonetheless, all NaOCl solutions were significantly more effective than saline solution in reducing the number of bacterial cells within the root canal (p < 0.05). The three NaOCl concentrations showed large zones of inhibition against E. faecalis. The results of this study suggest that regular exchange and the use of large amounts of irrigant should maintain the antibacterial effectiveness of the NaOCl solution, compensating for the effects of concentration.     

次氯酸钠对根管内粪肠球菌杀菌效果的体外实验

目的评价次氯酸钠对根管内粪肠球菌的杀菌效果。方法将45个离体前磨牙的感染根管标本分为6组，1、2组用5．25％及2．5％次氯酸钠冲洗，3组用0．9％NaCl冲洗，4、5组在根管预备时辅以5．25％及2．5％次氯酸钠冲洗，6组在根管预备时辅以0．9％Nacl冲洗。冲洗前、冲洗后即刻及冲洗后72h分别取样培养。结果6组根管内的细菌量均显著下降。1、2组差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），但均好于3组（P〈0．05）。4、5和6组差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。根管冲洗后培养72h均有细菌生长。结论2．5％次氯酸钠基本可达到更高浓度的灭菌效果，但是经过机械预备和次氯酸钠化学消毒后的根管内仍有细菌残留。     

Comparison of the antimicrobial efficacy of 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD to 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA for root canal irrigation

The purpose of this study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD to 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA for root canal irrigation. Twenty-six bilaterally matched pairs of human teeth were collected. The teeth were incubated with Enterococcus faecalis for 4 weeks. The teeth were divided into two experimental groups and one positive control group. The canals were instrumented and irrigated with either 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA or 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD. Bacterial samples were collected after instrumentation/irrigation and after additional canal enlargement. Statistical analysis of the data using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test showed significant differences between the experimental groups. The first bacterial samples revealed growth in 0 of 20 samples with 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA irrigation and in 8 of 20 samples with 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD irrigation. Samples taken after additional canal enlargement revealed growth in 0 of 20 samples in 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA and in 10 of 20 samples in 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD group. This investigation showed consistent disinfection of infected root canals with 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA. The combination of 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD left nearly 50% of the canals contaminated with E. faecalis.     

Efficacy of instrumentation techniques and irrigation regimens in reducing the bacterial population within root canals

The purpose of this study was to compare the in vitro intracanal bacterial reduction produced by using two instrumentation techniques and different irrigation methods. Root canals inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis were prepared by using the following techniques and irrigants: alternated rotary motions (ARM) technique, hand nickel-titanium files and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as irrigant; ARM technique and combined irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl and citric acid; ARM technique and combined irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate; and Greater Taper rotary files, using 2.5% NaOCl as irrigant. Controls were instrumented by using the ARM technique and irrigated with sterile saline. Canals were sampled before and after preparation. After serial dilution, samples were plated onto Mitis-Salivarius agar, and the colony forming units that were grown were counted. All test techniques and solutions significantly reduced the number of bacterial cells within the root canal (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the experimental groups (p > 0.05). Nonetheless, all of them were significantly more effective than the control group (p < 0.05). These findings support the importance of using antimicrobial irrigants during the chemomechanical preparation, regardless of the solutions or instrumentation techniques used.     

Evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of ultrasonic-activated and inactivated chlorhexidine (solution and gel) in infected root canals of primary anterior teeth

ObjectivesSodium hypochlorite is not able to completely eliminate Enterococcus faecalis inside root canals. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate chlorhexidine gel and solution in eliminating bacterial counts within infected root canals of primary anterior teeth.Materials and methodsThis study included 75 primary anterior teeth in 27 healthy children and it was divided into five groups: Group 1: Chlorhexidine 2% solution, Group 2: Chlorhexidine 2% solution activated by ultrasonic, Group 3: Chlorhexidine 2% gel, Group 4: Chlorhexidine 2% gel activated by ultrasonic, and Group 5: Sodium hypochlorite solution 5.25%. The preliminary smear for bacterial study (S1) was taken before irrigation. The root canals were irrigated in a quantity of 7 ml using a 31-gauge irrigation needle, and irrigant activation was 2 cycles (20 s). The final smear for bacterial study (S2) was taken after irrigation.ResultsThere were no statistically differences in the mean percentage change in the decimal logarithm of the anaerobic bacterial colony count, but statistically differences were found for aerobic bacteria. For aerobic bacteria: CHx 2% solution activated better than CHx 2% and NaOCl 5.25% solutions, CHx 2% gel better than CHx 2% solution, CHx 2% gel activated better than CHx 2% and NaOCl 5.25% solutions.ConclusionAll irrigation solutions used are effective in eliminating bacterial counts in infected primary canals. Chlorhexidine (solution and gel) can be considered a good alternative to sodium hypochlorite in irrigation root canals of primary teeth.     

A comparison of the antimicrobial efficacy of NaOCl/Biopure MTAD versus NaOCl/EDTA against Enterococcus faecalis

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of irrigating with 1.3% NaOCl/Biopure MTAD versus irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA in the apical 5 mm of roots infected with Enterococcus faecalis. Bilaterally matched human teeth were sterilized and inoculated with E. faecalis. After chemomechanical root canal preparation, the root-ends were resected and pulverized in liquid nitrogen to expose E. faecalis in dentinal tubules or other recesses away from the main root canal system. The number of colony forming units (CFU) of E. faecalis per mg was determined from the pulverized root-ends. No significant differences were seen (t = 0.70, p = 0.495) between the number of colony forming units of E. faecalis for teeth irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA (mean 131 +/- 291 CFU/mg) versus those teeth irrigated with 1.3% NaOCl/Biopure MTAD (mean 187 +/- 237 CFU/mg). This study demonstrated that there is no difference in antimicrobial efficacy for irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA versus irrigation with 1.3% NaOCl/Biopure MTAD in the apical 5 mm of roots infected with E. faecalis.     

Shaping and cleaning the root canal system: a scanning electron microscopic evaluation of a new instrumentation and irrigation technique

The purpose of the present scanning electron microscopic study was to investigate the efficacy of a combination of EDTA, NaOCl, and surface-active irrigating solutions during and after root canal preparation with ProFile nickel-titanium rotary instruments. Thirty canals were divided into three groups, instrumented and irrigated as follows: 5% NaOCl and a final flush with 17% EDTA were used for group A; group B specimens were irrigated using 17% EDTA, followed 15 s later by 1% TRITON X-100 (tensioactive agent) and then by 5% NaOCl; and group C specimens were irrigated with the same combination, but once shaping procedures were completed the irrigating sequence was repeated three times. After scanning electron microscopic evaluation, group C specimens exhibited the most effective debridement of the root canals. Results showed that tensioactive agent contributed to enhanced debridement. Cleaning was significantly improved once shaping procedures were completed.     

Efficacy of various concentrations of NaOCl and instrumentation techniques in reducing Enterococcus faecalis within root canals and dentinal tubules

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of 0.5%, 2.5% and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as intracanal irrigants associated with hand and rotary instrumentation techniques against Enterococcus faecalis within root canals and dentinal tubules. METHODOLOGY: A total of 180 extracted human premolar teeth were infected for 21 days with E. faecalis. The specimens were divided into 12 groups, as follows: group 1: 5.25% NaOCl + Hybrid technique (Valdrighi et al. 1998); group 2: 5.25% NaOCl + nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary technique 4 mm shorter than the apex (by FOP-UNICAMP); group 3: 5, 25% NaOCl + NiTi rotary technique (Hero 642); group 4: 2.5% NaOCl +Hybrid technique; group 5: 2.5% NaOCl + NiTi rotary technique 4 mm shorter than the apex; group 6: 2.5% NaOCl + NiTi rotary technique (Hero 642); group 7: 0.5% NaOCl + Hybrid technique; group 8: 0.5% NaOCl + NiTi rotary technique 4 mm shorter than the apex; group 9: 0.5% NaOCl + NiTi rotary technique (Hero 642); group 10: sterile saline solution + Hybrid technique; group 11: sterile saline solution + NiTi rotary technique 4 mm shorter than the apex; group 12: sterile saline solution + NiTi rotary technique (Hero 642). Canals were sampled before and after preparation. After serial dilution, samples were plated onto brain heart infusion (BHI) agar, and the colony forming units (CFU) that were grown were counted. The teeth were sectioned into three thirds and dentine chips were removed from the canals with conical burs. The samples obtained with each bur were immediately collected into test tubes containing BHI broth, and were incubated at 37 degrees C and plated onto BHI agar. The CFU were counted and analysed. RESULTS: At all depths and thirds of the root canals and for all techniques used, 5.25% NaOCl was shown to be the most effective irrigant solution tested when dentinal tubules were analysed, followed by 2.5% NaOCl. No differences among concentrations in cleaning the canals were found. CONCLUSIONS: Especially at higher concentrations, NaOCl, was able to disinfect the dentinal tubules, independent of the canal preparation technique used.     

Isolation of yeasts and enteric bacteria in root-filled teeth with chronic apical periodontitis

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and role of yeasts, enteric gram-negative rods and Enterococcus species in root-filled teeth with chronic apical periodontitis, and the antimicrobial effect of iodine potassium iodide (IKI) irrigation. METHODOLOGY: Forty symptom-free root-filled teeth with chronic apical periodontitis were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. In group A the canals were filled with calcium hydroxide for 10-14 days after cleaning and shaping; in group B the canals were irrigated with IKI for 5 min after cleaning and shaping followed by a permanent root filling. Microbiological samples were taken from the canals before and after the chemomechanical preparation and after iodine irrigation (group B). RESULTS: Microbes were isolated from 33 of 40 teeth in the initial sampling. Yeasts were isolated from six teeth, three of them together with E. faecalis. Enteric rods (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis) were present in three teeth and E. faecalis was isolated from 21 of the 33 culture positive teeth, 11 in pure culture. Growth was detected in 10 teeth of the second samples. Six of the 10 cases were E. faecalis, with five being a pure culture. All third samples (after IKI) except one were negative. The number of microbial cells per sample did not correlate with lesion size. Two flare-ups were recorded, both in teeth with a mixed infection. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of enteric bacteria and yeasts in root-filled teeth with chronic apical periodontitis was established. IKI improved the antimicrobial effect of the treatment.     

Antibacterial efficacy of calcium hydroxide, iodine potassium iodide, betadine, and betadine scrub with and without surfactant against E faecalis in vitro

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the ability of endodontic irrigants and medicaments to eliminate Enterococcus faecalis from infected dentinal tubules, and whether their antimicrobial action was enhanced by surfactant. STUDY DESIGN: For the study, 5-mm dentin disks were sectioned from bovine incisor roots and infected with E faecalis. Lumens were instrumented, and 1 of 7 medicaments (10% Ca(OH) 2, Betadine, or IKI, each with or without surfactant, or Betadine Scrub) was used to flush and fill each lumen. Positive controls received saline. Specimens were incubated for 15 minutes or 24 hours. Quantitative microbiology of the remaining bacteria was performed and groups were compared using a 1-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The addition of surfactant did not enhance the antibacterial action of any medicament. When used as a 24-hour medicament, Ca(OH) 2 consistently failed to eliminate E faecalis, whereas both Betadine Scrub and IKI rendered 90% of samples sterile. IKI was the only agent shown to consistently eliminate E faecalis in a 15-minute time frame. CONCLUSION: Under the in vitro conditions of this study, IKI was able to eliminate E faecalis from bovine root dentin when used with a 15-minute contact time.     

Microbial status of apical root canal system of human mandibular first molars with primary apical periodontitis after "one-visit" endodontic treatment

OBJECTIVE: To assess the in vivo intracanal microbial status of apical root canal system of mesial roots of human mandibular first molars with primary apical periodontitis immediately after one-visit endodontic treatment. The residual intracanal infection was confirmed by correlative light and transmission electron microscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Sixteen diseased mesial roots of mandibular first molars were treated endodontically, each in one visit. Mesio-buccal canals were instrumented using stainless steel hand files and mesio-lingual canals with a nickel-titanium rotary system. The canals were irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) during the instrumentation procedures, rinsed with 10 mL of 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), and obturated with gutta-percha and zinc oxide eugenol cement. Thereafter, the apical portion of the root of each tooth was removed by flap-surgery. The specimens were fixed, decalcified, subdivided in horizontal plane, embedded in plastic, processed, and evaluated by correlative light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Fourteen of the 16 endodontically treated teeth revealed residual intracanal infection after instrumentation, antimicrobial irrigation, and obturation. The microbes were located in inaccessible recesses and diverticula of instrumented main canals, the intercanal isthmus, and accessory canals, mostly as biofilms. CONCLUSIONS: The results show (1) the anatomical complexity of the root canal system of mandibular first molar roots and (2) the organization of the flora as biofilms in inaccessible areas of the canal system that cannot be removed by contemporary instruments and irrigation alone in one-visit treatment. These findings demonstrate the importance of stringent application of all nonantibiotic chemo-mechanical measures to treat teeth with infected and necrotic root canals so as to disrupt the biofilms and reduce the intraradicular microbial load to the lowest possible level so as to expect a highly favorable long-term prognosis of the root canal treatment.     

Efficacy of bacterial removal from instrumented root canals in vitro related to instrumentation technique and size

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro investigation assessed the efficacy of removing radioactively labeled bacteria from infected canals with 2 engine-driven rotary nickel titanium instrumentation techniques differing in sequence and apical enlargement size. STUDY DESIGN: A standard quantity of (3)H-thymidine-labeled Enterococcus faecalis (3.70 x 10(4) cpm, 2.0 x 10(7) colony-forming units) was used to inoculate the mesiobuccal canals of 50 extracted mandibular molars. The teeth were incubated for 5 days to allow infection of the surrounding dentin from the canals. Five of the teeth were used as controls to determine the number of cycles of irrigation and drying necessary to reduce the (3)H counts recovered from the canals to baseline levels. After this process, the unbound bacteria in the root canals of the remaining 45 teeth then were washed out with buffer until baseline levels of radioactivity were obtained. The mesiobuccal root of 1 of these 45 teeth was removed, decalcified, and digested, and the total radioactivity released from the root dentin was measured. Of the remaining 44 teeth, 22 then were instrumented with GT and Profile (Dentsply/Tulsa Dental Co, Tulsa, Okla) instruments to apical size #35 (group 1) and 22 teeth with Pow-R instruments (Moyco/Union Broach, York, Pa) to apical size #50 (group 2), in the presence of a standard quantity of phosphate-buffered saline solution placed in the canal. After instrumentation, the medium from each canal was collected with paper points and its radioactivity was counted with liquid scintillation spectrometry. RESULTS: The mean (3)H level recovered with instrumentation of canals in group 1 was 75 cpm (+/- 29, standard deviation) and in group 2 was 123 cpm (+/- 50, standard deviation). A 2-tailed Mann-Whitney test indicated that the radioactivity of samples from group 2 was significantly higher than that of samples from group 1. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that instrumentation to an apical size of #50, as performed with the Pow-R instruments, was more effective in debriding infected root canals than instrumentation to an apical size of #35, as performed with the GT and Profile instruments.     

Bactericidal efficacy of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation against Enterococcus faecalis compared with NaOCl irrigation: an ex vivo pilot study

AIM: To compare the efficacy of a standard NaOCl irrigation procedure with that of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation in contaminated root canals having small and large apical foramina. METHODOLOGY: Forty root canals of extracted central incisor teeth with straight roots were chosen so that their apical foramina just permitted the tip of a size 20-K file to pass through. The canals were then enlarged with files to size 60 and randomly divided into four groups of 10 teeth each. The apical foramina of one group were widened further so that the tip of a size 45-K file could just pass through. After sterilization, all roots were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis for 48 h at 37 degrees C. The first group was used as a control, the second group was irrigated with 3% NaOCl solution for 15 min, and the last two groups having different sizes of apical foramina were irradiated with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser at output power from 0.5 W, with 20% air and water levels. The disinfecting efficacy of the groups was tested by collecting dentine chips from the inner canal walls of the specimens and counting viable E. faecalis on Mueller-Hinton agar plates. RESULTS: The differences in the mean number of viable colonies between the control and laser groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The control specimens had the highest number of microorganisms (153 x 10(3) +/- 39 x 10(3)). Complete sterilization was achieved in the 3% NaOCl group. The mean colony forming units (CFU) values obtained after Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation were 6.6 x 10(3) CFU and 6.5 x 10(3) CFU in root canals having large and small apical foramina respectively. CONCLUSION: In teeth with straight roots the Er,Cr:YSGG laser reduced the viable microbial population in root canals with small and large apical foramina but did not eradicate all bacteria. Three percent NaOCl inhibited the growth of E. faecalis and effectively sterilized all root canals.     

Light and scanning electron microscopic evaluation of Glyde File Prep in smear layer removal

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of Glyde File Prep used in conjunction with sodium hypochlorite irrigation in the removal of smear layer produced during root canal instrumentation. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-nine extracted human teeth with single root canals were used. Access cavities were prepared and the teeth divided into three groups of 13 teeth each. Each group was treated by one of the three different regimes of irrigation and conditioning during root canal instrumentation. Group A: 0.5 mL of 1% NaOCl irrigation after each file size with an additional final irrigation of 10 mL 1% NaOCl; group B: 0.5 mL of 1% NaOCl irrigation after each file size with an additional final irrigation of 10 mL 17% EDTA; group C: Glyde File Prep coated on each instrumentation file used in conjunction with 0.5 mL 1% NaOCl irrigation after each file size and an additional final irrigation of 10 mL 1% NaOCl. The teeth were then longitudinally grooved and sectioned. Root canal cleanliness was evaluated with the aid of a Nikon light microscope (x40 and x100) and scanning electron microscope (x1000 and x3000). The debris scores obtained at three canal regions were compared statistically within the same group and among different groups using repeated measurements of analysis of variance (anova) with Bonferroni adjustments and anova with posthoc Tukey HSD, respectively. RESULTS: The canals treated with EDTA and Glyde File Prep were significantly cleaner than those treated with NaOCl alone. The apical region of the root canals generally displayed more residual smear layer, but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Used in conjunction with NaOCl irrigation, Glyde File Prep was effective in removing smear layer produced during root canal instrumentation.