Abstract
ABSTRACTAim: To evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of turmeric extract as an intracanal medicament against E. faecalis and its effect on the microhardness of root dentin in comparison with calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel.Materials and methods: One hundred and fourty dentin blocks were prepared from 70 extracted human single-rooted teeth and standardized. For antibacterial assessment, 120 blocks were infected for 21 days with E. faecalis (n = 24/group). Dentin blocks were treated with group I (Ca(OH)2), group II (2% chlorhexidine gel), group III (turmeric extract), group IV (saline) and group V (negative control). Dentin shavings were obtained in TSB at depth of 400 μm and plated to count CFUs at 24 hours, 3 and 7 days (n = 8/day). For microhardness assessment, eight samples of 2 mm thickness were prepared form four dentin blocks (n = 8/group). Following treatment with medicaments, microhardness test was performed at 24 hours, 3 and 7 days using Vickers hardness indentation machine at 400 μm from canal lumen.Results: Complete inhibition of E. faecalis was observed with group II, followed by 64% with group I and 54% with group III which was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). Highest effect on microhardness of root dentin was shown by group I, followed by group II and no effect was seen with group III which was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Turmeric extract has substantial antibacterial activity with no effect on microhardness of root dentine and hence has a potential to be used as intracanal medicament if its antibacterial activity could be enhanced.How to cite this article: Prabhakar AR, Swapnil T, Savita H, Sugandhan S. Comparison of Antibacterial Efficacy of Calcium Hydroxide Paste, 2% Chlorhexidine Gel and Turmeric Extract as an Intracanal Medicament and their Effect on Microhardness of Root Dentin: An in vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2013;6(2):171-177.
Highlights
The main purpose of root canal therapy is to eliminate microorganisms and their products from the root canal system as well as to prevent reinfection
Highest effect on microhardness of root dentin was shown by group I, followed by group II and no effect was seen with group III which was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001)
Turmeric extract has substantial antibacterial activity with no effect on microhardness of root dentine and has a potential to be used as intracanal medicament if its antibacterial activity could be enhanced
Summary
The main purpose of root canal therapy is to eliminate microorganisms and their products from the root canal system as well as to prevent reinfection. Calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] is the most commonly used endodontic medicament and eliminates most microorganisms due to high pH (12.8) when used as a 7day dressing. It is unable to kill Enterococcus faecalis, the most commonly isolated bacteria in failed endodontic cases.[2]. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) has been recently used in endodontics as both an irrigant and as an intracanal medicament. It is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent and is effective against bacterial strains which are resistant to (Ca(OH)[2]). Some individuals may be allergic to it.[3]
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