ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare and analyze the antimicrobial efficacy of three different mechanical preparation techniques in single infected root canals. Methods; Forty-five single root canals with chronic periapical periodontitis were selected. The specimens were divided into three groups randomly, 15 root canals per group. Croup A: preparation with stainless steel K-files (step-back technique), Croup B: preparation with HERO 642 NiTi rotary files (crown-down technique) and Group C: preparation with Mtwo NiTi rotary files ( modified crown-down technique). The sterile normal saline was used as irrigation. Samples were taken before and after canal preparation. The difference of CFU was calculated as well as the bacterial species. Results; All groups were effective to reduce bacteria within the infected root canals greatly(P<0.01). Croup A and Group C were statistically better than Group B(P<0.05). Group A was more effective than Group C but there was no statistically difference between them(P>0.05). Conclusion; Mechanical preparation can greatly reduce the intracanal bacteria, but can not obtain bacteria-free canals. The mechanical preparation must be aided by chemical irrigation to improve the success of root canal therapy.