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[In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite on Enterococcus faecalis within root
Zhao-hua Feng1, Xue-jun Gao, Song Shen
1Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China.
Objective:
To evaluate in vitro the antibacterial effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) within root canals.
Methods:
Roots inoculated with E. faecalis were divided into six groups, which underwent different root canal irrigation and treatment: Group 1: 5.25% NaOCl, Group 2: 2.5% NaOCl, Group 3: 0.9% NaCl, Group 4: root canal preparation + 5.25% NaOCl, Group 5: root canal preparation + 2.5% NaOCl, Group 6: root canal preparation + 0.9% NaCl. Microbiological samples were collected from root canals at three time points (before irrigation, immediately after irrigation and three days after irrigation).
Results:
The numbers of E. faecalis in root canal in each of the six groups were effectively reduced. Group 1 and 2 were statistically more effective than Group 3. Group 4 was statistically more effective than Group 5 and 6. Group 5 was statistically more effective than Group 6. Bacterial survival was observed in all canals of each group after a 3-day-incubation.
Conclusions:
2.5% NaOCl was highly effective for root canal irrigation. However residual bacteria remained in the root canals after chemical irrigation by NaOCl and mechanical preparation.
