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Published on: February 14, 2018
In Vitro Evaluation of Disinfectants on Gutta-Percha Cones: Antimicrobial Efficacy Against Enterococcus faecalis and
Tringa Kelmendi1, Donika Bajrami Shabani1, Aida Meto2,3,4
1Department of Dental Pathology and Endodontics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Periradicular disease is largely microbial in origin. Even gutta-percha (GP) cones manufactured under aseptic conditions can acquire contaminants during handling or storage, undermining otherwise adequate canal preparation. To assess residual antimicrobial activity on GP cones after brief exposure to five endodontic disinfectants: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 1%, 2.5%, 5.25%; chlorhexidine (CHX) 2%; and glutaraldehyde 2% against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Methods: Standardized GP cones were dipped for 5-120 s, blotted on neutralizing gauze, and placed on agar inoculated with either organism. Using an agar diffusion approach, inhibition-zone diameters were recorded at 0, 24, and 48 h. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, and 95% confidence intervals) for each disinfectant-dip-time combination. Results: By 24 h, inhibition zones were observed for most disinfectants; for C. albicans, glutaraldehyde 2% showed no measurable effect. At later time points, performance depended on both disinfectant and contact time. For E. faecalis, NaOCl 2.5% and 5.25% yielded the largest zones at 48 h (20-21 mm at 120 s), whereas NaOCl 1% was smaller (10 mm) and glutaraldehyde 2% modest (9 mm). For C. albicans, NaOCl 2.5% and CHX 2% were most effective at 48 h (17-19 mm at 120 s); NaOCl 5.25% was intermediate, NaOCl 1% weak, and glutaraldehyde 2% showed no measurable antifungal effect. Longer immersions (≥45 s) consistently increased inhibition zone diameters. Conclusions: Residual antimicrobial activity on GP cones depends on both the agent and the immersion time. For E. faecalis, higher concentration NaOCl produced the largest zones at short contact time, whereas for C. albicans, CHX 2% and NaOCl 2.5% provided the most reliable carryover. Selecting an appropriate concentration and allowing sufficient dip time may reduce reinfection risk at obturation.
Insights
Residual antimicrobial activity on gutta-percha cones depends on disinfectant type and immersion time. Higher sodium hypochlorite concentrations were effective against Enterococcus faecalis, while chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite showed efficacy against Candida albicans.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Periradicular disease is primarily microbial, and gutta-percha (GP) cones can become contaminated.
- Contaminated GP cones can compromise root canal treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the residual antimicrobial activity of GP cones after exposure to endodontic disinfectants.
- To assess the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX), and glutaraldehyde against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans.
Main Methods:
- GP cones were dipped in five disinfectants (NaOCl 1%, 2.5%, 5.25%; CHX 2%; glutaraldehyde 2%) for 5-120 seconds.
- Dipped cones were placed on agar plates inoculated with E. faecalis or C. albicans.
- Inhibition zone diameters were measured at 0, 24, and 48 hours using an agar diffusion method.
Main Results:
- Most disinfectants showed inhibition zones by 24 hours; glutaraldehyde had no effect on C. albicans.
- NaOCl 2.5% and 5.25% produced the largest zones against E. faecalis at 48 hours (up to 21 mm).
- CHX 2% and NaOCl 2.5% were most effective against C. albicans at 48 hours (up to 19 mm); longer immersion times increased efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Residual antimicrobial activity on GP cones is influenced by disinfectant type and contact duration.
- Higher NaOCl concentrations are effective for E. faecalis, while CHX and NaOCl are reliable for C. albicans.
- Optimizing disinfectant concentration and immersion time may reduce reinfection risk during obturation.
