Antimicrobial efficacy of cordless sonic or ultrasonic devices on Enterococcus faecalis-infected root canals.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immediate and residual antimicrobial activity of cordless sonic or ultrasonic devices on Enterococcus faecalis (Efaecalis)-infected teeth. A total of 140 single-rooted extracted teeth with Efaecalis were grouped as follows (N=15): conventional syringe irrigation with 3% sodium hypochlorite activated by ultrasonic device (group 1) or cordless ultrasonic device (group 2), EndoActivator (group 3) or without activation (group 4), conventional syringe irrigation with sterile bi-distilled water and ultrasonic device (group 5), EndoUltra (group 6), EndoActivator (group 7), or without activation (group 8). The remaining 20 teeth were used for positive and negative controls. Colony-forming units (CFU) and turbidity were recorded from bacteriological samples taken before and after irrigation and after 24hours of re-incubation. Data were statistically analyzed using Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Dunn's multiple comparison tests (P<.05). Groups 1 and 2 showed higher antimicrobial efficacy than groups 3 and 4 (P<.05). No bacteria reduction was found in groups 5-8 (P>.05). After 24hours, regrowth of bacteria was not significantly different for all groups (P>.05). Ultrasound produced lower CFU and turbidity after treatment and after re-incubation of 24hours than sonic or no activation.