Assessment of Bacterial Load Using 3.8% SDF as an Irrigant in Pulpectomized Primary Molars: A Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Microbiology

Background:

• Pulpectomy is a common procedure for primary molars with pulp necrosis.
• Effective bacterial reduction is crucial for successful pulpectomy outcomes.
• Alternative irrigating solutions are being explored to enhance disinfection protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of 3.8% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) as an irrigating solution for reducing bacterial load in pulpectomized primary molars.
• To compare the antibacterial effectiveness of 3.8% SDF with 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled clinical trial involved 60 primary molars with pulp necrosis.
• Thirty canals were irrigated with 3.8% SDF and 30 with 1% NaOCl.
• Microbiological samples were collected before and after irrigation, analyzed using the Agar plate method.

Main Results:

• Both 3.8% SDF and 1% NaOCl significantly reduced bacterial load (p < 0.001).
• Post-irrigation, 3.8% SDF demonstrated a statistically significant greater reduction in bacterial load compared to 1% NaOCl.
• Agar plate method confirmed significant bacterial reduction in both groups.

Conclusions:

• 3.8% SDF is an effective irrigant for reducing bacterial load in pulpectomized primary molars.
• 3.8% SDF can be considered a viable alternative irrigant to NaOCl in pediatric endodontics.
• Further research may explore optimal concentrations and protocols for SDF in pulpectomy.