Antimicrobial action of calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine and their combination on endodontic pathogens

Abstract

Background:The common recovery of Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis from failed root canals of teeth in which previous treatment has failed is notable. These organisms have been shown to be resistant to antimicrobial action of calcium hydroxide but are sensitive to chlorhexidine gluconate. The aim of the present in vitro study was to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide paste, 2% chlorhexidine gel and their combination against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: Inoculae of these organisms were used to make lawn cultures on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and blood agar plates. Wells were prepared with these lawn cultures and filled with calcium hydroxide paste, 2% chlorhexidine gel and their combination. The agar plates were kept overnight for incubation at 37˚C and the zone of inhibition was examined after 24 and 72 hours. Results:The results suggest that 2% chlorhexidine gel alone is more effective at 72 hours than calcium hydroxide paste alone or in combination with 2% chlorhexidine gel against both the organisms, even though calcium hydroxide showed better antifungal efficacy against Candida albicans at 24 hours. Conclusion: In failed root canal treatments, 2% chlorhexidine gel may be a more effective intracanal medicament than calcium hydroxide paste or their combination against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis.

Study Comparing the Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine, Calcium Hydroxide and Linezolid Based Medicaments Against Enterococcus Faecalis

“…CX was found to be effective against EF after 24 hours (15.37 ± 0.574) and 72 hours (16.36 ± 0.545) of incubation in agar. This is in accordance with the results obtained by other authors [14,[19][20][21]. However, it is in disagreement with Estrela et al, [22].…”

“…However, it is in disagreement with Estrela et al, [22]. It was found to be more effective than CH, which is in agreement with results obtained by Ballal et al, and Gomes et al, [21,23]. However, it was not as effective as LC or LZ.…”

Efeito antibacteriano e sucesso clínico/radiográfico da pasta de hidróxido de cálcio associada à clorexidina como medicação intracanal no tratamento de dentes decíduos humanos com polpa necrótica

“…C1 -coleta microbiológica inicial C2 -coleta microbiológica após o preparo biomecânico C3 -coleta microbiológica após a permanência da medicação intracanal Ca(OH) 2 …”

“…Após abertura coronária, foi realizada a primeira coleta microbiológica dos canais radiculares, o preparo biomecânico e a segunda coleta microbiológica. Em seguida, metade dos dentes dos grupos I e II recebeu como curativo intracanal a pasta de hidróxido de cálcio em polietilenoglicol 400 [Ca(OH) 2 + PEG] (grupo controle), e a outra metade, a pasta de hidróxido de cálcio com clorexidina gel a 2% [Ca(OH) 2 +CLX] (grupo experimental). Os dentes foram selados provisoriamente com cimento de ionômero de vidro restaurador.…”

“…Também não houve diferença estatística no sucesso clínico e radiográfico quando os dentes sem e com lesão de furca e/ou periapical foram tratados com Ca(OH) 2 +PEG ou com Ca(OH) 2 +CLX. Pode-se concluir que não houve diferença no efeito antibacteriano e na proporção de sucesso clínico e radiográfico entre a pasta de hidróxido de cálcio associada a clorexidina e a pasta de hidróxido de cálcio em polietilenoglicol quando usadas como medicação intracanal no tratamento de dentes decíduos com polpa necrótica.…”