In vitro antibacterial effect of calcium hydroxide combined with chlorhexidine or iodine potassium iodide on Enterococcus faecalis.
Several studies have shown a higher success rate of root canal therapy when the canal is free from bacteria at the time of obturation. Treatment strategies that are designed to eliminate this microflora should include agents that can effectively disinfect the root canal. Enterococcus faecalis is often associated with persistent endodontic infections. While in vivo studies have indicated calcium hydroxide to be the most effective all-purpose intracanal medicament, iodine potassium iodide (IKI) and chlorhexidine (CHX) may be able to kill calcium hydroxide-resistant bacteria. Supplementing the antibacterial activity of calcium hydroxide with IPI or CHX preparations was studied in bovine dentine blocks. While calcium hydroxide was unable to kill E. faecalis in the dentine, calcium hydroxide combined with IKI or CHX effectively disinfected the dentine. The addition of CHX or IKI did not affect the alkalinity of the calcium hydroxide suspensions. It may be assumed that combinations also have the potential to be used as long-term medication. Cytotoxicity tests using the neutral red method indicated that the combinations were no more toxic than their pure components.
Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. eva.siren@helsinki.fi
Eva K
EK
Sirén
Markus P P
MP
Haapasalo
Tuomas M T
TM
Waltimo
Dag
D
Ørstavik
D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D002417:Cattle; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D003804:Dentin / Q000382:microbiology; D004338:Drug Combinations; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000187:drug effects*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects; D017613:Iodine Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D051379:Mice; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; D017613:Iodine Compounds; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; C439385:iodine potassium iodide; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide; D002710:Chlorhexidine