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Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy on Enterococcus faecalis and smear layer removal in curved canals by
Revathy M Nair1, S Jayasree1, E Sruthi Poornima1
1Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Government Dental College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
Background:
Various irrigation techniques have been proposed to improve the effectiveness of root canal debridement.
Aims:
The aim of the study was to compare the antimicrobial effect on Enterococcus faecalis and smear layer removal efficacy in curved canals by different irrigation techniques.
Materials And Methods:
Eighty extracted permanent maxillary molars with curved mesiobuccal roots were inoculated with E. faecalis. The tooth samples were then divided into four groups: Group A - EndoVac, Group B - Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI), Group C - Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), and Group D - Laser Irrigation with Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming (PIPS). The percentage of bacterial reduction was calculated. The presence of smear layer from coronal, middle, and apical sections was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy.
Statistical Analysis:
Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test. Intergroup comparison was made with Mann-Whitney U-test.
Results:
Although statistically insignificant, the irrigation techniques have shown considerable reduction in E. faecalis biofilm (P > 0.05). EndoVac, PUI, and PIPS have shown significantly higher efficacy in removing smear layer from apical third than PDT (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
The newer PIPS technology can be used as an efficient tool in the decontamination of root canals. However, more clinical studies in this aspect are required to ensure more thorough debridement and disinfection of the root canal system.
Insights
This study compared four root canal irrigation techniques for their effectiveness against Enterococcus faecalis and smear layer removal. Laser Irrigation with Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming (PIPS) and other methods showed promise in decontaminating curved canals.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Microbiology
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Root canal debridement effectiveness is crucial for endodontic treatment success.
- Various irrigation techniques are continuously being developed to enhance root canal cleaning and disinfection.
- Enterococcus faecalis is a common pathogen in persistent endodontic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the antimicrobial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis of four irrigation techniques.
- To evaluate the smear layer removal efficacy of these techniques in curved root canals.
- To assess the effectiveness of EndoVac, Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI), Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), and Laser Irrigation with Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming (PIPS).
Main Methods:
- Eighty extracted maxillary molars with curved mesiobuccal roots were used.
- Teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into four irrigation groups.
- Bacterial reduction was calculated, and smear layer removal was assessed using scanning electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- All tested irrigation techniques demonstrated a considerable reduction in Enterococcus faecalis biofilm.
- EndoVac, PUI, and PIPS showed significantly higher efficacy in removing smear layer from the apical third compared to PDT.
- No statistically significant difference was found in bacterial reduction among the groups.
Conclusions:
- Laser Irrigation with Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming (PIPS) is an efficient tool for root canal decontamination.
- Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the thorough debridement and disinfection capabilities of PIPS.
- EndoVac, PUI, and PIPS are more effective than PDT for smear layer removal in the apical third of curved canals.
