Does adding an instrument after root preparation with Reciproc^® R25 increase bacterial reduction?

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Microbiology
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Root canal preparation aims to eliminate bacteria and debris.
• Reciprocating and rotary instruments are used for root canal cleaning.
• Enterococcus faecalis is a common pathogen in persistent root canal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare bacterial reduction efficacy of Reciproc R25 alone versus Reciproc R25 combined with Mtwo 40.04.
• To evaluate decontamination capabilities in experimentally infected root canals.

Main Methods:

• Fifty maxillary molars with mesiobuccal canals were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis.
• Root canals were instrumented using Reciproc R25 or Reciproc R25 plus Mtwo 40.04.
• Bacterial samples were collected pre- and post-instrumentation for CFU analysis.

Main Results:

• Both instrumentation techniques significantly reduced bacterial load (P < 0.05).
• No statistically significant difference in bacterial reduction was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The addition of Mtwo 40.04 after Reciproc R25 does not enhance bacterial decontamination.
• Reciproc R25 alone provides comparable bacterial reduction to the combined technique.