Antimicrobial efficacy of photo-activated disinfection against enterococcus faecalis within the root canal : an in vitro study

Abstract EN

Objectives : The aim of the study is to evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial efficacy of photo-activated disinfection (PAD) against Enterococcus faecalis infecting the root canals in comparison with 2.5% Sodium hypoch orite and 2% Chlorhexidine.

Material and Methods : Sixty single rooted teeth were selected for the study.

The root canals were prepared, sterilized, autoclaved and inoculated with 10 µl of E.

faecalis suspension.

After incubation for seven days at 370C, the teeth were divided randomly into 4 groups each of 15 teeth according to the method of disinfection as follows : Group I : PAD ; Group II : 2.5% NaOCl ; Group III : 2% CHX and Group IV served as a control.

Three bacterial samples were collected throughout the procedure, SI taken before ; S2 immediately after; and S3 taken 10 days later after treatment.

The samples were inoculated onto the blood agar plates and the CFU were counted.

Results : The results from the cultures immediately after treatment showed that the PAD has the highest microbial reduction followed by 2.5% NaOCl, then 2% Chlorhexidine.

However, after 10 days of treatment, 2% Chlorhexidine revealed the highest antimicrobial effect.

Conclusion : The Photo-activated disinfection (PAD) is an effective method for immediate disinfection of the root canals infected with E.

faecalis.

Chlorhexidine 2% showed the longer sustained antimicrobial efficacy against E.

faecalis more than PAD and 2.5% NaOCl.