The comparative antimicrobial effect of calcium hydroxide.

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Microbiology
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Root canal infections are commonly polymicrobial.
• Intracanal medicaments are crucial for eliminating residual bacteria.
• Calcium hydroxide, camphorated paramonochlorophenol, and formocresol are frequently used intracanal medicaments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the in vitro antimicrobial effectiveness of calcium hydroxide, camphorated paramonochlorophenol, and formocresol against common root canal bacteria.
• To evaluate the efficacy of Pulpdent paste in conjunction with calcium hydroxide.

Main Methods:

• Extracted human single-rooted teeth were used.
• Root canals were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus, and Bacteroides gingivalis or Bacteroides fragilis.
• Teeth were treated with test agents, sealed, and incubated for 1 hour.
• Canal contents were analyzed for viable bacteria post-treatment.

Main Results:

• All tested agents showed antimicrobial activity, reducing viable bacteria by 64.3% to 100%.
• Calcium hydroxide and Pulpdent paste exhibited significantly greater antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and B. gingivalis/B. fragilis compared to camphorated paramonochlorophenol and formocresol.
• No significant difference in activity was observed for A. viscosus among the agents.

Conclusions:

• Calcium hydroxide and Pulpdent paste are highly effective antimicrobial agents for root canal disinfection.
• Camphorated paramonochlorophenol and formocresol also possess antimicrobial properties but appear less potent against certain key root canal pathogens.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm these findings in vivo.