Disinfection of dentinal tubules with 2% Chlorhexidine gel, Calcium hydroxide and herbal intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis: An in-vitro study.

AIM: This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the disinfection of dentinal tubules using 2% Chlorhexidine gel, Honey, Aloe vera gel, Curcuma longa, Propolis gel and Calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Two hundred and ten human mandibular first premolars were infected with Enterococcus faecalis for 21 days. Samples were divided into 7 groups. Group I- Saline (negative control), Group II- 2% Chlorhexidine gel(CHX), Group III- honey, Group IV- Aloe vera gel, Group V- 20% Curcuma longa gel, Group VI- Propolis gel and Group VII -Calcium hydroxide (CH). At the end of 1, 3 and 5 days, the antimicrobial efficacy of medicaments against E.faecalis was assessed at the depths of 200µm and 400µm. RESULTS: 2% Chlorhexidine gel was most effective followed by Propolis and Curcuma longa. CONCLUSION: 2% Chlorhexidine gel gave the best results. Among the herbal extracts Propolis and Curcuma longa hold a promising future but to implement their use as sole intracanal medicaments clinically, further in vivo and long term studies are warranted.

Antibacterial Effect of Azadirachta indica (Neem) or Curcuma longa (Turmeric) against Enterococcus faecalis Compared with That of 5% Sodium Hypochlorite or 2% Chlorhexidine in vitro.

The purpose of this study was to compare the antibacterial properties of Azadirachta indica (neem) or Curcuma longa (turmeric) against Enterococcus faecalis with those of 5% sodium hypochlorite or 2% chlorhexidine as root canal irrigants in vitro. The activity of neem, chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite, or turmeric against E. faecalis was measured on agar plates using the agar diffusion method. The tube dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the irrigants used. Chlorhexidine or neem exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity when used as endodontic irrigants against E. faecalis, followed by sodium hypochlorite. No statistically significant difference was observed between neem, sodium hypochlorite, or chlorhexidine. The MIC of neem was 1: 128, which was similar to that of chlorhexidine. The MBC for each of these irrigants was 1: 16. Neem yielded antibacterial activity equivalent to 2% chlorhexidine or sodium hypochlorite against E. faecalis, suggesting that it offers a promising alternative to the other root canal irrigants tested.

Comparative evaluation of the effect of chlorhexidine and Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) on dentin stabilization using shear bond testing.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of adhesive dentistry is to create an effective, durable union between the tooth structure and restorative material. However, degradation of adhesive dentine interface remains largely responsible for the relatively short lifetime of tooth colored resin restoration. AIM: The aim of the study is to compare the dentin collagen stabilization property of Chlorhexidine (CHX) and Aloe barbadensis Miller using shear bond strength testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Occlusal reduction was done in sixty extracted human mandibular molars to expose the mid coronal dentin and divided into three groups n = 20. Following the surface pretreatment (Group 1 = control, Group 2 = CHX, Group 3 = Aloevera), dentine bonding agent and composite resin were applied and cured. The specimens were then subjected to shear bond strength testing. RESULTS: From the results analyzed, it was noted that there was statistically significant difference between the groups Control and CHX and Control and A. barbadensis Miller (P < 0.05), specifically the values of Control < CHX and Control < A. barbadensis Miller (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between CHX and A. barbadensis Miller (P > 0.05). Hence, the following result for the shear bond strengths to dentin was obtained: Control < CHX ≈ A. barbadensis Miller. CONCLUSION: CHX and A. barbadensis Miller, as pretreatment agents of acid demineralized dentin collagen, has no adverse effect on the immediate shear bond strength of a two-step etch and rinse adhesive to dentin.

Radix Entomolaris: A Report of Two Cases.

A comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy of the root canal is a basic prerequisite for the success of endodontic treatment. Mandibular molars may have an additional root located lingually (radix entomolaris) or buccally (radix paramolaris). An awareness of the potential for and understanding of unusual external and internal root canal mor-phology contributes to the successful outcome of root canal treatment. Here, we report two cases of radix entomolaris to increase awareness and understanding of this unusual morphology so that procedural errors during endodontic therapy might better be avoided.

Dentinal Tubule Disinfection with Propolis & Two Extracts of Azadirachta indica Against Candida albicans Biofilm Formed on Tooth Substrate.

AIM: This study evaluates the disinfection of dentinal tubules using Propolis, Azadirachta indica (alcoholic and aqueous extracts), 2% chlorhexidine gel and calcium hydroxide against Candida albicans biofilm formed on tooth substrate. MATERIALS & METHOD: One hundred and five human teeth were infected with Candida albicans for 2 days. Samples were divided into 7 groups. Group I- Propolis, Group II- Alcoholic extract of Azadirachta indica, Group III- Aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica, Group IV- 2% Chlorhexidine, Group V- Calcium hydroxide, Group VI- Ethanol and Group VII- Saline (negative control). At the end of 1,3 and 5 days, the antimicrobial efficacy of medicaments against Candida albicans was assessed at the depths of 200 µm and 400 µm. RESULTS: The overall percentage inhibition of fungal growth (at 200 µm and 400 µm depth) was 99.2% with 2% chlorhexidine gel. There was no statistical difference between propolis, alcoholic extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) and 2% chlorhexidine. CONCLUSION: Propolis and alcoholic extract of Azadirachta indica performed equally well as that of 2% Chlorhexidine.