The effect of chlorhexidine as an endodontic disinfectant.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to establish whether addition of a 2% chlorhexidine rinse to a conventional treatment protocol enhances the rate of the successful disinfection of the root canal system in vivo.


METHODS
Twenty-four teeth with infected necrotic pulps and resorbing apical periodontitis were treated with a conventional technique in which 1% NaOCl as irrigant was used. Half of the cases received an additional rinse with 2% chlorhexidine. Prereduced thioglycollate medium was used to take cultures that were incubated for 4 weeks.


RESULTS
Cultivable bacteria were retrieved at the conclusion of the first visit in 1 out of 12 chlorhexidine cases whereas in the control group 7 out of 12 cases showed growth. This difference was significant (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The findings are clinically important.
advendo@sbcglobal.net
Ahmad
A
Zamany
Kamran
K
Safavi
Larz S W
LS
Spångberg
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000628:therapy; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000628:therapy; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004202:Disinfectants; D004338:Drug Combinations; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide; D002710:Chlorhexidine