Antimicrobial activity of gutta-percha points containing root canal medications against E.faecalis and Candida albicans in simulated root canals - An in vitro study

Abstract

Objective : The aim of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Calcium hydroxide and Chlorhexidine (Activ points) releasing gutta-percha points to Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans in simulated root canals using microbiological method. Methadology : Sixteen sterile capillary tubes acted as simulated root canals. Eight sterile simulated root canals were filled with 20μl of E. faecalis suspension and divided into 4 groups with 2 samples each and were filled with Chlorhexidine points (Activ points), Calcium Hydroxide points, Conventional gutta-percha points, without gutta-percha points (Control). The procedure was repeated with pure culture of Candida albicans (MTCC 3017). The samples were incubated for 37° and colony count was calculated with samples recovered after 10 mins and 5 hours after incubation. Results : Statistically significant difference in the antimicrobial efficacy of CHX gutta percha, Ca(OH)2 gutta percha, normal gutta percha and no gutta percha against E. faecalis and candida albicans both at 10 minutes and 5 hours since the p value was <0.05. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this invitro study it can be concluded that there is significant difference in the antimicrobial activity of Calcium hydroxide points and Chlorhexidine impregnated gutta percha points (Activ points) against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans