Multispecies Biofilms Treated With Endodontic Sealers or Calcium Hydroxide: Antimicrobial Activity and Changes in...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Endodontics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Root canal sealers and calcium hydroxide are used to eliminate intraradicular infections.
• Evaluating their antimicrobial activity and impact on biofilm community composition is crucial for endodontic treatment success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of AH Plus and BC Sealer compared to calcium hydroxide against multispecies root canal biofilms.
• To investigate the changes in bacterial community composition induced by these endodontic materials.

Main Methods:

• Bovine dentine cylinders were inoculated with dental plaque in a CDC biofilm reactor.
• Materials tested included AH Plus, BC Sealer, calcium hydroxide, and controls (propylene glycol and untreated).
• Antimicrobial activity was assessed using colony-forming units (CFU) and quantitative PCR (qPCR), while community composition was analyzed by next-generation sequencing.

Main Results:

• Calcium hydroxide and BC Sealer significantly reduced CFU and qPCR values compared to controls.
• AH Plus reduced bacterial viability but did not significantly decrease DNA concentration.
• All tested materials altered the overall biofilm community composition, with AH Plus showing significant differences compared to untreated controls.

Conclusions:

• Calcium hydroxide and BC Sealer demonstrate significant antimicrobial effects on root canal biofilms.
• AH Plus alters biofilm community structure but has a lesser impact on overall bacterial load.
• None of the evaluated materials achieved complete eradication of the multispecies biofilm.