RESUMO
Microorganisms have an essential role in pulpo-periapical pathosis, therefore obtaining a successful treatment has a direct relationship with their elimination. According to previous studies, the most reliable method of sterilization is autoclave,but in some instances there are limitations for using this method, and we need an alternative.One of the most popular and wide-spread materials in this field is Micro10 solution. The aim of this research is to determine the sterilization effect of Micro10 solution on endodontic hand instruments. 1200 endodontic hand files were selected for this study, [15 groups of 80 files]. Each bacterial group was prepared in 0.5 Mc Farland standard concentration [1.5 x 10 [8]]. Every 5 groups of files were contaminated with one of bacterial samples. Then each group of contaminated files, underwent sterilization process, using one of the following methods: a] Application of autoclave, b] Application of 2% Micro10 solution, in 15 minutes, c] Application of 2% Micro10 solution, in 60 minutes, d] Application of 10% Micro10 solution, in 15 minutes, and e] Application of 10% Micro10 solution, in 60 minutes. The results of this study indicated that only in group 1 [autoclave] all of samples were sterile, but in other groups sterility diminished to 82.1% [group2], 83.3% [group 3], 90.8% [group 4], and 93.3% [group 5]. Only autoclave is a reliable method for obtaining a sterile condition and Micro10 solution at the most is just a good disinfectant, especially in 10% concentration. Also we concluded that the concentration of Micro10 solution has a direct effect on its killing ability of bacteria, while duration of process [60 minutes versus 15 minutes] has no effect