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Chlorhexidine substantivity in root canal dentin.
Sidney Rosenthal1, Larz Spångberg, Kamran Safavi
1Department of Endodontology, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington, USA.
Summary
Chlorhexidine (CHX) demonstrates substantivity in root canals, remaining effective for up to 12 weeks. This study quantifies CHX levels and antimicrobial activity in dentin over time.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
- Antimicrobial Agents
Background:
- Root canal disinfection is crucial for endodontic treatment success.
- Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a widely used antimicrobial agent in endodontics.
- Understanding the substantivity and longevity of CHX in root canal dentin is essential for optimizing treatment protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the substantivity of chlorhexidine (CHX) within a root canal system.
- To assess the duration of CHX's antimicrobial effectiveness in root canal dentin.
Main Methods:
- Bovine root canal sections were treated with either sodium hypochlorite/EDTA or 2% CHX.
- Specimens were stored in saline for 1 day, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.
- CHX concentration in dentin extracts was measured using UV spectrophotometry, and antimicrobial activity was tested against Enterococcus faecalis.
Main Results:
- CHX was detected in dentin extracts at all time points, with concentrations decreasing over time (0.0048% at 1 day to 0.0010% at 12 weeks).
- The CHX extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis.
- A direct correlation was observed between CHX concentration and antimicrobial effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Chlorhexidine (CHX) exhibits substantivity in root canal dentin.
- Antimicrobially effective concentrations of CHX are retained in root canal dentin for up to 12 weeks.
- These findings support the prolonged antimicrobial benefit of CHX in endodontic treatment.