[Antibacterial effects of CMCP, Cresophene, and formocresol as root canal medications]

This clinical and laboratory study was to compare the antimicrobial effects of camphorated monoparachlorophenol, Cresophene and formocresol. Root canals of anterior teeth with 3-5 mm. rarefied area were instrumented and irrigated until they were ready to be filled. The patients returned every 7 days. Intracanal medicaments were changed until negative culture was obtained. The number of visits was recorded. The comparative effectiveness of the three medicaments were analysed. Results showed no statistical differences of the three medicaments (p greater than 0.1). The antimicrobial activity against bacteria from positive root canal culture of these three antiseptics were assayed by disc diffusion method. The inhibition zone of camphorated mono-parachlorophenol and Cresophene were nearly the same size, but that of formocresol had greater diameter. Using Gram's staining procedure, the majority of bacteria obtained from root canals was identified as gram positive cocci (94.74%).