Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of five endodontic root canal sealers againstEnterococcus faecalisandCandida albicans

Abstract

The present in-vitro study was undertaken to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of a traditional zincoxide eugenol based scaler(Tubliseal) with a iodoform incorporated zincoxide eugenol based sealer (Endotas FS), a calcium hydroxide based sealer (Apexit) and the epoxy resin based sealers (AH PLUS and PC Seal), against the micro organisms Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. The method employed to test the antimicrobial efficacy was the Kirby-Bauer method (Agar Disc Diffusion). The sealers were mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions and 0.1 ml of each sealer was placed on the sterile paper discs. The diameter of the zones of inhibition was measured in millimeters with the help of an inhibition zone measuring scale and the values were recorded.<br>The antimicrobial efficacy of an iodoform incorporated zincoxide eugenol based sealer, Endoflas FS against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans was statistically superior to the rest of the test groups._Endotlas FS performed far better than even the controls being employed (Amoxycillin and Nystatin) respectively._Tubliseal, a zincoxide eugenol based seater also showed significant antimicrobial properties, but was statistically inferior to Endoflas FS Apexit, a calcium hydroxide based sealer did not show significant antimicrobial efficacy against both Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. AH PLUS and RC seal, epoxy resin based sealers showed no antimicrobial properties whatsoever.