In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite on Enterococcus faecalis within root canals / 中华口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate in vitro the antibacterial effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) within root canals.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Roots inoculated with E. faecalis were divided into six groups, which underwent different root canal irrigation and treatment Group 1 5.25% NaOCl, Group 2 2.5% NaOCl, Group 3 0.9% NaCl, Group 4 root canal preparation + 5.25% NaOCl, Group 5 root canal preparation + 2.5% NaOCl, Group 6 root canal preparation + 0.9% NaCl. Microbiological samples were collected from root canals at three time points (before irrigation, immediately after irrigation and three days after irrigation).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The numbers of E. faecalis in root canal in each of the six groups were effectively reduced. Group 1 and 2 were statistically more effective than Group 3. Group 4 was statistically more effective than Group 5 and 6. Group 5 was statistically more effective than Group 6. Bacterial survival was observed in all canals of each group after a 3-day-incubation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>2.5% NaOCl was highly effective for root canal irrigation. However residual bacteria remained in the root canals after chemical irrigation by NaOCl and mechanical preparation.</p>