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Root Canal Irrigation: Chemical Agents and Plant Extracts Against Enterococcus faecalis
Letizia Borzini1, Roberta Condò1, Paolo De Dominicis1
1Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
Background:
There are various microorganisms related to intra and extra-radicular infections and many of these are involved in persistent infections. Bacterial elimination from the root canal is achieved by means of the mechanical action of instruments and irrigation as well as the antibacterial effects of the irrigating solutions. Enterococcus faecalis can frequently be isolated from root canals in cases of failed root canal treatments. Antimicrobial agents have often been developed and optimized for their activity against endodontic bacteria. An ideal root canal irrigant should be biocompatible, because of its close contact with the periodontal tissues during endodontic treatment. Sodium hypoclorite (NaOCl) is one of the most widely recommended and used endodontic irrigants but it is highly toxic to periapical tissues.
Objectives:
To analyze the literature on the chemotherapeutic agent and plant extracts studied as root canal irrigants. In particularly, the study is focused on their effect on Enterococcus faecalis.
Method:
Literature search was performed electronically in PubMed (PubMed Central, MEDLINE) for articles published in English from 1982 to April 2015. The searched keywords were "endodontic irrigants" and "Enterococcus faecalis" and "essential oil" and "plant extracts".
Results:
Many of the studied chemotherapeutic agents and plant extracts have shown promising results in vitro.
Conclusion:
Some of the considered phytotherapic substances, could be a potential alternative to NaOCl for the biomechanical treatment of the endodontic space.
Insights
Plant extracts show promise as root canal irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis. These phytotherapic substances may offer a biocompatible alternative to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in endodontic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Persistent intra- and extra-radicular infections involve various microorganisms.
- Enterococcus faecalis is frequently found in failed root canal treatments.
- Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a common endodontic irrigant but is toxic to periapical tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on chemotherapeutic agents and plant extracts as root canal irrigants.
- To specifically analyze their effects on Enterococcus faecalis.
Main Methods:
- Electronic literature search in PubMed (1982-April 2015).
- Keywords: "endodontic irrigants", "Enterococcus faecalis", "essential oil", "plant extracts".
Main Results:
- Numerous chemotherapeutic agents and plant extracts demonstrated promising in vitro antimicrobial activity.
- Several phytotherapic substances exhibited efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis.
Conclusions:
- Certain plant extracts show potential as alternatives to NaOCl for root canal irrigation.
- Phytotherapic substances may offer a more biocompatible option for endodontic treatment.
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