In vitro antimicrobial effect of RC-Prep within dentinal tubules

The antimicrobial effect of RC-Prep and its components--10% urea peroxide, 15% EDTA, and glycol--were evaluated individually, in vitro, within dentinal tubules. Standardized bovine incisor root specimens that had been infected with either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus peltzer were incubated with each agent for 10 and 45 min. After exposure to the agent, dentin samples were collected from within the lumina using ISO 23 to 31 burs. Dentin powder samples were incubated with bacterial broth, and the amount of bacteria present was assessed by spectrophotometry. All agents tested were more effective in killing bacteria after incubation for 45 min than after 10 min.