The antibacterial activity of mineral trioxide aggregate containing calcium fluoride.

ABSTRACT

Background/purpose: Because complete microbial elimination of the infected root canal system is nearly impossible to achieve, the use of root canal fillings with antibacterial effects may help to minimize intracanal infections. Our previous study, MTA modified by CaF2 addition, improved the biocompatibility and mineralization potential of human dental pulp cells without adverse effect on the physical properties. In this study, the antibacterial effect of MTA after CaF2 addition was evaluated for use as a root canal sealer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of MTA after the addition of CaF2. Materials and methods: The antibacterial activities of MTA and MTA-CaF2 mixture against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Porphyromonas endodontalis (P. endodontalis), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) were investigated with MTA-CaF2 powder and eluates. The bacterial growth was measured by optical density using a spectrophotometer and the bacterial colony counting. Results: MTA inhibited the growth of E. faecalis, P. endodontalis, and P. gingivalis, and the addition of CaF2 improved this antibacterial effect in a concentration dependent manner (p < 0.05). E. faecalis was more resistant to MTA-CaF2 than the other groups of bacteria. Conclusion: The addition of more than 5% CaF2 to MTA can increase the antibacterial activity.