In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Of Sodium Hypochlorite, Chlorhexidine And Ethylenediamine Tetra Acetic Acid As Irrigants Used In Endodontics

Abstract

Introduction: The primary objectives of dental root canal therapy are to remove damaged tissue, eradicate the microorganisms in
the dental root canal structure and avoid pulp space from being contaminated during surgery. The success rate of the procedure
remains a concern, despite improvements in the instruments and procedures used in endodontic treatment. The major causes of
failure and reinfection in endodontic procedures are colonisation of different forms of biofilm bacteria, development of a smear
coating during instrumentation, intricate root-canal system morphology, and residual microorganisms in dentinal tubules. Although
the mechanical instrumentation seeks to debridge contaminated channel walls, leakage from untouched root channel system areas
cannot be eliminated. Because of these constraints, multiple irrigants are introduced to enhance the mechanical degradation process
and supplement it.
Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Sodium hypochlorite, Chlorhexidine and EDTA irrigants used
in endodontics against oral pathogens.
Materials and Method: The study deals with the broth dilution method that helps to determine the antimicrobial activity of irrigants
by measuring the amount of colony forming units. The efficacy of the irrigants was evaluated by comparing with the control.
Result: Against Streptococcus mutans, among the 3 irrigants used, Sodium hypochlorite shows highest antimicrobial activity. Against
Enterococcus faecalis, among the 3 irrigants used, Chlorhexidine shows highest antimicrobial activity.
Conclusion: The results show that there is no full elimination of bacteria. This could be a reason for the problems during root canal
therapy. Further research is to be done on this topic for more accurate reasons for the failure of irrigants during root canal therapy.