Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of Endodontic Sealers on Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro Study

Abstract

Microorganisms invading the root canal system of a tooth may interact with the host tissue and cause pulpo-periapical pathosis. The goals of root canal treatment are to disinfect the root canal system and to prevent subsequent reinfection. The disinfection is attempted with endodontic instruments, irrigants, and medications. Due to the complex canal anatomy, microorganisms can persist even after thorough disinfection regimens are used. After disinfection, the canal is sealed with a root filling material along with sealers. To curtail residual microorganisms, root-filling materials should ideally be bactericidal, as well as biocompatible. In addition, the root filling materials are expected to act as a physical barrier to prevent the leakage of substrate to any residual microorganisms and the ingress of additional microorganisms.The aim of the present study was to assess the antimicrobial activity of various Endodontic sealers on the Enterococcus faecalis. Enterococcus faecalis is a microorganism commonly detected in asymptomatic, persistent endodontic infections. In the changing face of dental care, continued research on E. faecalis and its elimination from the dental apparatus may well define the future of the endodontic specialty.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Mixtures of Nanosilver and Zinc Oxide Eugenol against Enterococcus faecalis

“…This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of 0, 0.5, 2, and 5 wt% concentrations of nanosilver added to ZOE sealer against E. faecalis using the disk diffusion method. [1][2][3]6 The results of the disk diffusion method, in this study, showed that all disks containing different weight percentages of nanosilver formed growth inhibition zones. However, the diameters of the growth inhibition zones around 0, 0.5, 2, and 5 wt% concentrations of nanosilver at 24 and 48 hours and 1 week were not significantly different.…”

“…1 Root canal treatment aims to eliminate the microorganisms and to improve the periapical status. 2 Enterococcus faecalis is the most frequently (and sometimes the only) isolated bacterial strain from the endodontically treated root canals and is the most important causes of endodontic treatment failure. 3 It has been isolated from carious lesions and chronic periodontitis and chronic apical periodontitis cases.…”

In vitro Comparative Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Different Root Canal Sealers against Endodontic Pathogens

“…Antimicrobial effect of calcium hydroxide-based (Sealapex) sealer is because of the release of hydroxyl ions, which increases the pH above 12.5. 4,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Hydroxyl ions are highly oxidant free radicals, which are extremely reactive with biomolecules of the cytoplasmic membrane and result in a loss of cytoplasmic membrane integrity. 6,13,14,[16][17][18][19] The pH declines (pH 9.14) as the sealer sets, causing loss of effectiveness of sealer.…”

“…4,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Hydroxyl ions are highly oxidant free radicals, which are extremely reactive with biomolecules of the cytoplasmic membrane and result in a loss of cytoplasmic membrane integrity. 6,13,14,[16][17][18][19] The pH declines (pH 9.14) as the sealer sets, causing loss of effectiveness of sealer. 2,4,6 The inefficiency of some Ca(OH) 2 -containing sealers might be related to low solubility and diffusibility of these substances in agar.…”

Evaluation of Hydroxyl Ion Diffusion in Dentin and Injectable Forms and a Simple Powder-Water Calcium Hydroxide Paste: An in Vitro Study

“…Hydroxyl ion enhances osteogenic activity by changing the environment (11, 12). Also at the upper pH most of bacteria that are effective in endodontic infections cannot grow (13, 14). Thus, placing the combination of calcium hydroxide and a suitable carrier can boost the effects with creating a stable alkaline environment around the root.…”