Antimicrobial Efficacy of Liquorice Extracts on Most Common Endodontics Pathogens.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Antimicrobial effect of liquorice extracts and compare its action to commonly used root canal medicaments like calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of liquorice root were prepared. Antimicrobial activity was tested by agar well diffusion method on E. faecalis and C. albicans using Mueller Hinton agar. Wells were prepared and filled with ethanolic extract, aqueous extract of liquorice, calcium hydroxide, and chlorhexidine. Samples were incubated at 37°C, zone of inhibition was examined after 24 h. Results and Statistical Analysis: Ethanolic extract was significantly better (P < 0.001) than calcium hydroxide and aqueous extract of liquorice and less effective than chlorhexidine against E.faecalis. In C. albicans, ethanolic extract was less significant (P < 0.001) when compared to calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Ethanolic extract of liquorice has potent bactericidal effect against E. faecalis and C. albicans over aqueous extract. Hence, it can be used as intracanal medicaments in routine endodontic therapy.

Morphotypes of the apical constriction of maxillary molars: a micro-computed tomographic evaluation.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the apical constriction (AC) and apical canal morphology of maxillary first and second molars, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Materials and Methods: The anatomical features of 313 root canals from 41 maxillary first molars and 57 maxillary second molars of patients with known age and sex were evaluated using micro-CT, with a resolution of 26.7 µm. The factors evaluated were the presence or absence of AC, the morphotypes, bucco-lingual dimension, mesio-distal dimension, and the profile (shape) of AC and the apical root canal. The apical root canal dimensions, location of the apical foramen (AF), AC to AF distance, and presence of accessory canals in the apical 5 mm were also assessed. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data evaluation. Results: AC was present in all 313 root canals. Patients' age and sex did not significantly impact either AC or the apical canal dimensions. The most common AC morphotype detected was the traditional (single) constriction (52%), followed by the parallel (29%) morphotype. The mean AC dimensions in maxillary first molars were not significantly different from those in maxillary second molars. Sixty percent of AF were located within 0.5 mm from the anatomic apex. Conclusions: The most common morphotype of AC detected was the traditional constriction. Neither patients' age nor sex had a significant impact on the dimensions of the AC or the apical root canal. The majority of AF (60%) were located within 0.5 mm from the anatomic apex.