Root Canal Disinfection Potential of 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite, 2% Chlorhexidine and 810nm Diode Laser-A Comparative In vitro Antimicrobial Study

• Main Authors: Amit Arvind Agrawal (Author), Swapnil Kolhe (Author), Amit Sope (Author), Dinesh Erlewad (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: International Journal of Oral and Craniofacial Science - Peertechz Publications, 2016-05-13.
• Subjects: Research Article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The eradication of persisting bacteria, such as Enterococcus faecalis, is crucial for the long-term preservation of the endodontically treated tooth.</p><p><strong>Context and Purpose of the study:</strong> The aim of this research was to evaluate and compare the root canal disinfection potential of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 810nm diode laser against control.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Adjunctive use of chemical disinfection by either 5.25% sodium hypochlorite or 2% chlorhexidine led to 100% microbial eradication as against diode laser which achieved 97.7% reduction as compared to baseline microbial count and 68.42% reduction after mechanical cleaning at the same dilutions.</p><p><strong>Main findings:</strong> Chemicals used in the study achieved greater disinfection than diode laser irradiation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> 5.25% sodium hypochlorite or 2% chlorhexidine can be efficiently used as an adjuvant to mechanical root canal cleaning.</p><p><strong>Brief summary:</strong> A total of 20 extracted teeth, sectioned at cement-enamel junction, were divided into four groups of five teeth each. Control group: mechanical cleaning only; three test groups: mechanical cleaning followed by disinfection with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite or 2% chlorhexidine or 810nm diode laser. Pre and Post treatment microbial samples were collected and cultured.</p><p><strong>Potential Implications:</strong> A thorough mechanical instrumentation is crucial for success of any endodontic therapy and chemical or laser irradiation will only be helpful as an adjuvant.</p>