In vitro study to compare antibacterial efficacy of cinnamon extract, neem extract and sodium hypochlorite as root canal irrigants

Abstract

Background: E. faecalis is the predominant micro-organism recovered from root canal of the teeth where previous endodontic treatment has failed. Thorough debridement and complete elimination of micro-organisms are objectives of an effective endodontic treatment. For many years, intracanal irrigants have been used as an adjunct to enhance antimicrobial effect of cleaning and shaping in endodontics. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the antibacterial effectiveness between cinnamon extract as irrigant with neem extract irrigant and sodium hypochlorite against E. fecalis. Methodology: The present study is a randomized controlled in vitro study conducted on 90 extracted permanent single rooted teeth. The teeth were divided into three groups- Group 1 was irrigated with cinnamon extract, Group 2 was irrigated with neem extract irrigant and Group 3 with 3% sodium hypochlorite. The colonies in the reduction of E. feacalis was noted as CFU values per ml. Wilcoxon signed ranked test was used to compare in between the three groups. Mann- Whitney's test was used for inter group comparison between the three groups.