In vitro antibacterial activity of endodontic sealers.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the antibacterial activity of four endodontic sealers: one epoxy resin sealer (AH Plus), two zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE)-based sealers (Endomèthasone, Pulp Canal Sealer), and one sealer containing both ZOE and orthophenilphenol (Vcanalare).


METHODS
A direct contact test (DCT) was performed. A 10 microl suspension of Enterococcus faecalis was placed on the test material 20 min, 24 h and 7 days after mixing. Bacteria were allowed to directly contact the sealers for 1h at 37 degrees C. Bacterial growth was then spectrophotometrically measured every 30 min for 7 h, and again after 24 h as well.


RESULTS
All freshly mixed sealers showed complete inhibition of bacterial growth. Similar results were obtained with the 24-h-old samples, with the exception of AH Plus. Vcanalare was the only sealer still inhibiting bacterial growth 7 days after mixing.


CONCLUSIONS
The antimicrobial activity of the tested sealers depends on the time interval between mixing and testing. All sealers exhibit bactericidal effect when freshly mixed, but only Vcanalare extended this effect until 7 days after setting.
Pizzo
Giuseppe
G
Department of Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy. giuseppepizzo@odonto.unipa.it
Giammanco
Giovanni M
GM
Cumbo
Enzo
E
Nicolosi
Giuseppe
G
Gallina
Giuseppe
G
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000187:drug effects*; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013943:Thymol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; C011244:corticosteroid methanetriol mixture; C534916:epoxy resin-based root canal sealer; D005557:Formaldehyde; D013943:Thymol; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone