Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Different Root Canal Irrigants in Endodontic Treatment Cases: A Comparative...

Root canal disinfection plays a critical role in the success of endodontic treatment. This study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of three commonly used root canal irrigants: "sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)", "chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX)", and "ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)", in reducing microbial loads during endodontic treatment.

Ninety patients with primary endodontic infections were randomized into three groups. Each group received irrigation with one of the three solutions. Preirrigation and postirrigation microbial samples were collected and cultured to determine "colony-forming unit (CFU)" counts. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

NaOCl showed the highest antimicrobial efficacy, achieving a 90% bacterial reduction, followed by chlorhexidine (85%) and EDTA (70%). ANOVA revealed significant differences between the groups (P < 0.01), with NaOCl demonstrating statistically superior efficacy compared with the other irrigants.

NaOCl remains the most effective root canal irrigant, followed by chlorhexidine and EDTA. Clinicians should select irrigants based on their antimicrobial properties and clinical context to optimize treatment outcomes.