Comparative evaluation of bactericidal effects on Enterococcus faecalis using diode laser irradiation, sodium...

This in vitro study was performed to evaluate the bactericidal effects of Diode laser, 3% Sodium hypochlorite and 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate irrigation on root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis.

Seventy single rooted central incisors were prepared and sixty was contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. After 48 hours of incubation samples were divided into 7 groups-Group 1- Sterility control (canals not contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis ); Group 2- Positive control canals with no other treatment; Group 3- canals were treated with 3% NaOCl during biomechanical preparation; Group 4- canals were treated with 2% CHX; Group 5- canals were treated with 980nm diode laser; Group 6- was treated with combination of laser and 3% NaOCl; Group 7- were treated with laser and 2% CHX, the CFU of all the groups were checked.

Group 3 and 6 were significantly effective as there was no growth of E. faecalis (p=<0.001), group 7 was significantly more effective than group 2 (p=<0.001). There was no statistical significance between group 7 and group 3 and 6 (p=0. 474), the maximum amount of growth was seen in group 4.

3% NaOCl was the most effective irritant comparatively and combination of 2% CHX and laser was as effective as 3% NaOCl and hence can be used as an alternative for 3% NaOCl.