Propolis and commonly used intracanal irrigants: comparative evaluation of antimicrobial potential

The objective of endodontic therapy is not just simple cleaning and filling of root canals, but successful treatment requires the establishment of a sufficient level of disinfection.

To evaluate, in vivo, the antimicrobial and inflammatory/irritant potential of Propolis against mixed endodontic aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

An in vivo randomized controlled trial was conducted in a group of 60 children aged 6-12 years presenting with an acute apical abscess of the maxillary primary molars. Fifteen children each were divided randomly into four groups where irrigation during pulpectomy was performed using either 2% chlorhexidine, 4% calcium hydroxide or 4% Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) extract of propolis with normal saline as the control irrigant. Microbiological samples were taken from the disto-buccal root canal before initiating the pulpectomy as well as after 3 days later and for mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures.

In all the four groups, a significant decrease in mean aerobic colony forming units (cfu) count was seen. Maximum change in anaerobic cfu count was seen with 2% chlorhexidine.

Chlorhexidine proved to be superior antimicrobial agent against both endodontic aerobes and anaerobes. Calcium hydroxide was found to be least effective.