Antimicrobial activity of four root canal sealers against endodontic pathogens

Abstract

The antibacterial effects of various types of widely used endodontic sealers have not been compared systematically on facultative or obligate anaerobic endodontic pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of four commonly used endodontic sealers: two epoxy-resin-based sealers (AH26, AH plus), one zinc-oxide eugenol-based sealer (N2), and one calcium hydroxide-based sealer (Sealapex). The testing microbes were four facultative anaerobic species (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) and four obligate anaerobic species (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Prevotella intermedia). The freshly mixed sealers were placed into the prepared wells of agar plates inoculated with the test microorganisms. After varying periods of incubation (2 days for facultative anaerobic species and 7 days for obligate anaerobic species), the zones of growth inhibition were observed and measured. All the sealers were distinctly different from each other in their antimicrobial activity. The sealers showed different inhibitory effects depending on the types and bacterial strains. N2 containing formaldehyde and eugenol proved to be the most effective against the microorganisms. The extreme antimicrobial potency of this root canal sealer must be weighted against its pronounced tissue toxic effect.

In-vitro comparision of cytotoxicity and anti-microbial activity of three pulpectomy medicaments- Zinc oxide euginol,Metapex and Chitra HAP – Fill

“…Hence, it cannot be conclusively said that Chitra HAP-Fil would have no effect on any other strains of the same organism.With zinc oxide eugenol, antibacterial property was observed against both S.aures and E.faecalis by both methods. These finding were similar to that of White et al , Lai et al [19,20] . This pronounced antimicrobial effect may be due to the intimate contact of the medicament with the pathogen in the various cell studies, which is less probable in the root canal system.…”

Ion Release from Copper Phosphate Cement and Influence on <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> Growth in vitro: A Comparative Study

“…We selected S. mutans because it is the most significant cariogenic microorganism in the mouth [Tanzer et al, 2001], although clearly the order of activity might vary with different bacterial strains. Lai et al [2001] demonstrated variation in inhibitory effect, not only between different materials, but between bacterial strains.…”

Antibacterial activity of a new mineral trioxide aggregate-based root canal sealer

“…Furthermore, sealers that possess both optimum flow ability and antimicrobial properties might theoretically eliminate residual microorganisms located in confined areas of the root canal system 6,7 . Studies have reported that several endodontic sealers have antimicrobial effects [8][9][10] . Sealers having antimicrobial effects may help to eliminate residual microorganisms unaffected by the influence of both chemomechanical preparation and intracanal medication.…”