Comparative evaluation of the antibacterial efficacy of two experimental calcium silicate-based intracanal...

Success of endodontic treatment relies on minimizing microbial load by chemo-mechanical preparation and intra-canal medication(ICM). Calcium hydroxide based ICMs have known disadvantages. Calcium silicate-based cements(CSC) exhibit antibacterial activity, thus promoting researchers to experiment with their formulations to use them as ICMs.

Evaluation and comparison of the antimicrobial efficacy of two experimental CSC (MTA & Biodentine + 2%chlorhexidine) and Bio-C Temp against E.faecalis.

Test materials were divided into four groups namely Group1-Bio-C Temp, Group2-UltraCAL XS, Group3-Biodentine+2%CHX and Group4-MTA+2%CHX. Direct contact test was done by placing a standardized suspension of E.faecalis on test materials and bacterial growth was assessed spectrophotometrically using ELISA at one, three and seven days.

Data was analysed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey's multiple post hoc test and paired-t test. Results: Intragroup comparison revealed decreased mean optical density(OD) in groups 1, 2, and 4; no significant difference in group 3. Intergroup comparison showed statistical differences in mean OD values between groups (3 and 4); groups (1 and 2) at days one(p-0.018) and three(p-0.035), but no difference individually. Group 4 showed the highest antimicrobial efficacy on day seven.

MTA+2%CHX & Biodentine+2%CHX showed better antimicrobial efficacy and hence could be used as potential ICMs.