An In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Propolis, Morinda Citrifolia Juice, Sodium Hypochlorite and Chlorhexidine on Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans.

AIM: To evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of Propolis, Morinda citrifolia juice, Sodium hypochlorite and Chlorhexidine onEnterococcus feacalis (E. feacalis) and Candida albicans (C. albicans), as endodontic irrigants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four clinical isolates and one standard ATCC sample (29212) of E. feacalis and ATCC sample (90028) of C. albicans were inoculated into 5ml of peptone water each and incubated at 37° C for 3 to 4 hours to attain the turbidity corresponding to 0.5 McFarland standard CFU. We followed Disc and well diffusion Kirby-Bauer method to attain the zones of inhibition. RESULTS: Overall comparison of reagents revealed a significant difference among zones of inhibition. The standard concentration of 5% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine, 10% Propolis and 100% Morinda citrifolia juice illustrated the maximum inhibition zone for both test organisms. CONCLUSION: All four reagents had an antimicrobial effect on the microorganisms tested. Sodium hypochlorite and Chlorhexidine were more effectual than Propolis and Morinda citrifolia juice and there was increased antimicrobial efficacy with increasing concentrations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A study for finding safe herbal agents that can be used as endodontic irrigants revealed that Propolis, Morinda citrifolia juice has antibiotic properties and can replace routinely used agents thereby limiting the side effects.

Time-Dependent Effect of Various Irrigants for Root Canal on Smear Layer Removal.

BACKGROUND: Existence of smear layer in root canals caused by instrumentation is believed to prevent penetration of irrigating agents, thereby resulting in endodontic treatment. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare and evaluate the effectiveness of two irrigants: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and mixture of tetracycline isomer, an acid, and a detergent (MTAD) as final agents for eliminating the smear layer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 50 human lower premolar teeth whose crowns were sectioned at cementoenamel junction. The sample was randomly grouped into five groups, each with 10 teeth. Group 1: 1 mL of 17% EDTA as final rinse for 1 min, Group 2: 1 mL of 17% EDTA for 30 s, Group 3: 5 mL of MTAD for 2.5 min, Group 4: 5 mL of MTAD for 5 min, and Group 5: saline. The specimens were sectioned vertically all along the long axis and fixed on an aluminum stub for gold ion sputtering. Scanning electron microscope was used to observe the specimens, and photomicrographs were taken at coronal, middle, and apical thirds of canal, and assessed by Torabinejad scoring system by two examiners, and the observations were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: When Group 1 and Group 2 and Groups 3 and 4 were compared, we found a significant variation in removal of smear layer at cervical and middle thirds, and insignificant difference at apical third. In comparison with EDTA and saline, MTAD was more efficient significantly in middle and cervical thirds and insignificant at apical third. CONCLUSION: MTAD is an efficient irrigant for removing smear layer than EDTA and saline.