Evaluation of the antibacterial effect of newly introduced chlorhexidine and calcium hydroxide points as intra canal medicaments

ABSTRACT

The use of intra canal dressing between visits during root canal treatment have always been advocated. The aim of the present investigation was to test the antibacterial effect of newly introduced chIorhexidine and calcium hydroxide points as intra canal dressing. Eighty human extracted intact single rooted anterior teeth were decapitated and their root canals were cleaned and shaped using flex-R files up to size # 60 utilizing the step back technique. Sterilized roots were inoculated with Enterococcus suspension. Tested cones were scaled in the root canals for two examination periods where the antibacterial effect was evaluated by bacterial counting at 3 and 7 days. Results showed reduction of the bacterial counts in the experimental samples compared to control. Furthermore, reduction in the bacterial count was tine dependent reaching its maximum with the longest examination period at 7 days