Antimicrobial Properties of Newer Calcium Silicate-Based Pulp-Capping Agents Against Enterococcus Faecalis and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Microbiology
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Calcium silicate-based materials are widely used as pulp-capping agents in restorative dentistry.
• Assessing their antibacterial efficacy against cariogenic bacteria is crucial for clinical success.
• Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans are key pathogens in dental caries and endodontic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the antibacterial activity of four calcium silicate-based pulp-capping agents.
• To assess the efficacy of these agents against Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans.
• To determine the antimicrobial potential of Biodentine™, Dia-Root™ Bio MTA, TheraCal LC®, and Bio-C® Temp.

Main Methods:

• An agar diffusion test was employed to assess antibacterial properties.
• Four pulp-capping agents (Biodentine™, Dia-Root™ Bio MTA, TheraCal LC®, Bio-C® Temp) were tested.
• Zones of inhibition against S. mutans and E. faecalis were measured at 24 and 48 hours.

Main Results:

• At 24 hours, Biodentine™ exhibited the largest zone of inhibition against S. mutans (15.83 mm), followed by Dia-Root™ Bio MTA (14.5 mm).
• Against E. faecalis at 24 hours, Biodentine™ (20.56 mm) and Dia-Root™ Bio MTA (20.06 mm) showed comparable, high antibacterial activity.
• No statistically significant differences in antibacterial activity were observed among the agents after 48 hours.

Conclusions:

• Biodentine™ demonstrated the highest antibacterial efficacy against S. mutans.
• Biodentine™ and Dia-Root™ Bio MTA exhibited comparable high antibacterial activity against both S. mutans and E. faecalis.
• The findings support the use of Biodentine™ and Dia-Root™ Bio MTA as effective antibacterial pulp-capping agents.