Effectiveness of Microwave Disinfection on Gutta Percha Cones Against Staphylococcus Aureus and Enterococcus Faecalis...

Non-metallic dental materials like Gutta percha cones, ceramic crowns, endodontic posts are widely used material for the obturation of root canals, placement of post, crown and it is usually distributed by the manufacturers in sealed containers. Once exposed to dental environment or by handling and storage, there are more chances of getting contaminated by various microorganisms. The success of endodontic therapy depends on maintaining the aseptic condition throughout the procedure. To maintain an aseptic condition during endodontic procedures, chairside disinfection of endodontic material is more important. The aim of the study is to evaluate rapid and effective methods of disinfection of non-metallic dental materials using microwave against test organisms.

A total of 30 sample sizes with 5 per group consisting of gutta percha cones of size #30/0.09 taper were used and contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. Further it was disinfected with 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 3% NaOCl under microwave, and Distilled water under microwave for 30 sec and 1 min, respectively. The disinfected Gutta percha cones were evaluated by subculture and quantification of colonies formed.

Microwave disinfection proved to be as effective as 3% and 5% Sodium hypochlorite against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Hence, it proves to be a potential alternative way to disinfect gutta percha cones.