Antimicrobial activity of intracanal dressings composed by natural products associated to chlorhexidine and its influence on dentinal colour change

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of intracanal dressings and their influence on dentinal colour changes. Material and methods: Eighty samples were divided into eight groups (n=10) according to intracanal dressing protocols: G1–distilled water (DW); G2–2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX); G3–calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2)+DW; G4–grape seed extract (GSE)+DW; G5–ginger extract (GE)+DW; G6–Ca(OH)2+CHX; G7–GSE+CHX; and G8–GE+CHX. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by colony-forming units (CFUs) counting and dentinal colour changes was evaluated by digital spectrophotometry. Data were statistically analysed by specific tests (α=0.05). Results: The highest bacterial reduction was observed in groups 4, 6, 7 and 8, with no significant difference between them (p<0.05). Groups 4 and 7 showed the highest medians of dentinal colour change (p<0.05). Conclusion: The addition of CHX improved the antimicrobial activity of GE-based intracanal dressing, with no effect in GSE-based intracanal dressing; moreover, these protocols induced significant dentinal colour changes.