Comparison of the Efficiency of Rose Bengal and Methylene Blue as Photosensitizers in Photodynamic Therapy Techniques for Enterococcus faecalis Inactivation.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the efficiency of a photodynamic therapy (PDT) technique employing rose bengal (RB) and methylene blue (MB) as photosensitizers (PSs) to reduce the viability of Enterococcus faecalis, a well-known pathogen found in root canal systems. Currently, in several clinical applications, including in the field of endodontics, MB is employed in association with a red laser source for the photoinactivation of pathogenic bacteria. METHODS: In this study, MB was used at 0.01% (31.2 mol/L) in association with a red (660 nm) laser as the excitation source in the MB group (MBG). Alternatively, the same test was performed with RB (25 mol/L) that was associated with a green (532 nm) light laser source in the RB group (RBG). A saline solution (0.9%) was used in the control group. The colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) were calculated after 24 h of incubation at 37°C, and the statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. RESULTS: The results showed a significant reduction in the CFU/mL in the RBG group (0.12 × 108) compared with the control (2.82 × 108) and MBG groups (2.66 × 108). For the concentration and laser intensity employed in the experiments, the MBG group repeatedly showed no significant reduction in bacterial counts compared with the control. Therefore, the best result regarding the reduction of E. faecalis viable cells was obtained with RB as the PS. CONCLUSIONS: PDT may be improved if RB is used in association with a green light laser source for the inactivation of E. faecalis.

Apexification of an Immature Permanent Incisor with the Use of Calcium Hydroxide: 16-Year Follow-Up of a Case.

Apexification is a process of forming a mineralized apical barrier and had been performed by using calcium hydroxide paste, due to its biological and healing performances in cases of existent trauma. This clinical report aims to report the results of a 16-year follow-up study of an apexification treatment applied to nonvital tooth 22 of a healthy 8-year-old male after a trauma. Clinical inspection of the tooth showed fractures of the incisal edge and mesial angle, absence of coronal mobility, and negative pulp vitality under cold testing. Radiographic analysis of the root revealed incomplete apex formation. The possibility of fracture into the root or luxation injury was rejected, and the diagnosis of pulp necrosis was verified. Apexification by calcium hydroxide and subsequent endodontic treatment were planned. Initial formation of the mineralized apical barrier was observed after 3 months, and the barrier was considered to be completed after 8 months. Clinical, radiographic, and CBCT examinations after 16 years verified the success of the treatment, although the choice of calcium hydroxide for apexification treatment is discussed.