RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Microorganisms, predominantly Enterococcus faecalis are found responsible in the progression of pulpal, periradicular diseases and in endodontic failures. Unsuccessful conventional treatment might necessitate the need for a surgical approach; where in retrograde restorative materials are used to seal the apex. Among the root end filling materials, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is considered biocompatible and is most commonly used in clinical applications but it has limited antibacterial activity. Metallic silver and chlorhexidine have been added into various dental materials to enhance the antibacterial activity. AIM: This study aimed to compare the antibacterial effect of MTA, MTA mixed with silver zeolite and MTA mixed with chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Test materials used in the study were divided into three groups namely Group 1- MTA, Group 2-MTA + Silver Zeolite, Group 3-MTA + Chlorhexidine. Direct contact test was done by placing a standardized suspension of Enterococcus faecalis on the test materials in a 96 well microtiter plate. The bacterial growth was measured spectrophotometrically using ELISA reader at intervals of one, three and seven days. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data was collected by recording the optical density and analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple post hoc test followed by paired-t test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All test groups showed antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis at day one, three and seven. MTA with silver zeolite showed the maximum antibacterial activity followed by MTA with 2% chlorhexidine. The least antibacterial effect was shown by MTA mixed with sterile water.