The antimicrobial effect within dentinal tubules of four root canal sealers

The aim of this study was to investigate four root canal sealers--Pulp Canal Sealer EWT, Sealapex, AH26, and Ketac-Endo--for their antibacterial effects within dentinal tubules. Sterile saline served as a control. Sixty-six standardized bovine root specimens were infected with Enterococcus faecalis following smear layer removal. The materials were placed in the lumina, and six specimens from each group were stored for 24 h (48 h for AH26) and 7 days, after which dentin samples were taken from within the lumina using ISO 023 to 035 burs. Powder samples were incubated and the quantity of bacteria present assessed using spectrophotometry. All sealers showed antibacterial activity at 24 h, except Ketac-Endo. The activity of Pulp Canal Sealer EWT was similar at 24 h and 7 days. Sealapex had greater antibacterial effect at 7 days than it did at 24 h. The strongest effects were demonstrated by AH26.