antimicrobial effect of gutta-percha solvents on enterococcus faecalis biofilm during endodontic retreatment

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this invitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of three common gutta percha solvents [Chloroform, Eucalyptol and Halothane] on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm when used during endodontic retreatment. Extracted human mandibular premolars were instrumented, infected with E. faecalis, and obturated. The gutta-percha was removed mechanically in the presence of saline or chemo-mechanically in the presence of either chloroform, Eucalyptol or Halothane. Bacterial samples were collected after gutta-percha removal, and colony-forming units [CFU] per ml were enumerated. Results showed that there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean numbers of colony forming units [p<0.05] after the Chemo-mechanical removal of gutta percha using rotary nickel titanium retreatment instruments with Chloroform, Eucalyptol or Halothane. However, the difference in the antimicrobial effectiveness among the three tested gutta percha solvents was statistically non-significant [p<0.05]