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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
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Concurrent Quantification of Cellular and Extracellular Components of Biofilms
Published on: December 10, 2013
Comparative evaluation of endodontic irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms
Thomas R Dunavant1, John D Regan, Gerald N Glickman
1Department of Endodontics, Baylor College of Dentistry, The Texas A&M University System Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Texas 75246, USA.
Journal of Endodontics
|May 27, 2006
Summary
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at 1% and 6% concentrations effectively eliminated Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilms, outperforming other tested root canal irrigants in an in vitro study.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a common bacterium found in persistent root canal infections.
- Effective elimination of E. faecalis biofilms is crucial for successful endodontic treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of various root canal irrigants against E. faecalis biofilms.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different irrigants using a novel in vitro flow cell system.
Main Methods:
- E. faecalis biofilms were cultivated in a flow cell system.
- Biofilms were exposed to irrigants for 1 or 5 minutes.
- Bacterial kill percentage was statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- 6% Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) achieved >99.99% bacterial kill, followed by 1% NaOCl (99.78%).
- Smear Clear, 2% chlorhexidine, REDTA, and BioPure MTAD showed significantly lower efficacy.
- No significant difference in efficacy was observed based on the 1-minute or 5-minute exposure time.
Conclusions:
- Both 1% and 6% NaOCl demonstrated superior efficacy in eliminating E. faecalis biofilm compared to other tested irrigants.
- NaOCl solutions are highly effective root canal irrigants for targeting E. faecalis biofilms.
