“A Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Three Endodontic Sealers: Endoflas FS, AH Plus and sealapex against Enterococcus faecalis - an in vitro study.”

Abstract

Aims and Objective: To compare the antimicrobial properties of three endodontic sealers such as Sealapex (calcium hydroxide based), Endoflas FS (zinc oxide eugenol based) and AH Plus (resin based) against Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: The materials required for the study were sealers like Sealapex, AH plus and Endoflass FS, incubator, tweezer, scale and autoclave. The study was conducted on agar plates. Three wells were made by removal of agar at equidistant points and filled with root canal sealers and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. The plates were maintained at room temperature for 2 hours for prediffusion of materials and then incubated at 37oc for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. After incubation, the diameter of zones of inhibition around the plates was measured. The readings obtained were statistically analysed using ANOVA and Bonferroni test. Results: In all determined intervals, the antibacterial activity of Endoflas FS was significantly greater than other test materials (P<0.001). AH Plus sealer had moderate effect , whilst Sealapex showed the lowest antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. Conclusion: The antibacterial activity of Endoflas FS was highest followed by AH Plus and Sealapex. Key-words: AH Plus, Endoflas FS, Enterococcus faecalis, Sealapex.