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Two methods to evaluate the antimicrobial action of calcium hydroxide paste.
C Estrela1, C Rodrigues de Araújo Estrela, L L Bammann
1Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.
Journal of Endodontics
|January 5, 2002
Summary
This study compared two methods for testing calcium hydroxide antimicrobial effectiveness against various microbes. Both direct exposure and agar diffusion tests proved effective, showing complete antimicrobial action within 48 hours for infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Calcium hydroxide is a widely used intracanal dressing in endodontics.
- Its antimicrobial effectiveness is crucial for successful root canal treatment.
- Standardized methods are needed to accurately assess the antimicrobial spectrum of calcium hydroxide formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare two distinct methods for determining the antimicrobial effectiveness of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal dressings.
- To assess the antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide combined with saline, polyethylene glycol, and camphorated paramonochlorophenol.
- To identify the most reliable method for evaluating the antimicrobial spectrum of intracanal medicaments.
Main Methods:
- Two methods were employed: the direct exposure test (DET) and the agar diffusion test (ADT).
- Microorganisms tested included Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans.
- Paper points and agar plates were exposed to calcium hydroxide pastes for varying durations (1-72 hours) and microbial growth/inhibition zones were assessed.
Main Results:
- Both DET and ADT demonstrated the antimicrobial effectiveness of all tested calcium hydroxide pastes against the evaluated microorganisms.
- Significant antimicrobial activity was observed between 1 and 72 hours, varying by microorganism and paste composition.
- Complete antimicrobial effect was achieved within 48 hours in both testing methods, regardless of the vehicle used with calcium hydroxide.
Conclusions:
- Both the direct exposure test and agar diffusion test are valuable tools for assessing the antimicrobial spectrum of calcium hydroxide.
- These methods aid in improving infection control protocols in endodontic treatments.
- The direct exposure method offers practicality and independence from other variables in laboratory settings.