Effect of addition of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, calcium hydroxide, and tetracycline powder on antimicrobial activity of mineral trioxide aggregate

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect on antimicrobial property of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) against Enterococcus faecalis when mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, calcium hydroxide, and tetracycline powder. Materials and Methods: Pellets of MTA, MTA with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, MTA with calcium hydroxide, and MTA with tetracycline powder were prepared. The antimicrobial activity was tested on Sheep Blood Agar. Wells were made and the mixed material was placed in these wells. The diameter of zones of inhibition was measured after 24 h and 48 h incubation at 37°C. The data were analyzed to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of all the groups by ANOVA test. Results: The zones of inhibition were measured using precision ruler. This study showed that the best antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis was exhibited by the group in which MTA was mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate followed by calcium hydroxide group and MTA group. The tetracycline group was least effective. Conclusion: The study concludes that the addition of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate to MTA enhances the antimicrobial property and is more effective than MTA when used as a root end filling material alone. Clinical Significance: In cases where nonsurgical treatment of root canal fails and need of surgical intervention is a must to salvage the tooth, role of root end filling material becomes important. It should not only provide a good seal but also be antimicrobial in nature so that chances of re infection re least.