Biofilm elimination from infected root canals using four different single files

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Microbiology
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a prevalent bacterium in infected root canals.
• E. faecalis forms biofilms, increasing resistance to antimicrobial treatments.
• Effective chemomechanical strategies are crucial for root canal disinfection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of four endodontic file systems in eradicating E. faecalis biofilms.
• To evaluate bacterial reduction using colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL).
• To assess biofilm removal via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Methods:

• Eighty-five human mandibular premolars were used.
• Sixty-five canals were infected with E. faecalis and incubated for 3 weeks.
• Mechanical preparation was performed using XP-endo Shaper, Hyflex EDM, One Curve, or Fanta. AF™ F One.

Main Results:

• XP-endo Shaper, Hyflex EDM, and One Curve significantly reduced E. faecalis biofilms.
• No significant difference was found between these three systems.
• Fanta. AF™ F One showed less efficacy in biofilm eradication.

Conclusions:

• XP-endo Shaper, Hyflex EDM, and One Curve demonstrated superior mechanical biofilm elimination.
• Complete eradication of E. faecalis biofilms was not achieved by any system.
• The choice of file system impacts the effectiveness of root canal disinfection.