Disinfection of gutta-percha cones with chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine (CHX) or sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in disinfecting gutta-percha cones, to verify contamination of gutta-percha cones in their boxes, and to identify microorganisms after intentional contamination by handling cones.


METHODS
Gutta-percha cones contaminated in vitro with several microorganisms were left in contact with tested disinfecting solutions for different times, sterility of storage boxes was evaluated by immersing cones in broth medium, and the microorganisms most frequently found in handling cones were identified using biochemical tests.


RESULTS
CHX was not effective in eliminating Bacillus subtilis spores on gutta-percha cones after 72 h of contact with the disinfecting substance. 5.25% NaOCl eliminated spores from gutta-percha after 1 min of disinfection. The cones evaluated from their boxes did not show contamination in 94.5% of the cases. The microbial genus most frequently found after intentional contamination with gloves was Staphylococcus.


CONCLUSIONS
5.25% NaOCl is an effective agent for a rapid disinfection of gutta-percha cones.
Gomes
Brenda Paula Figueiredo de Almeida
BP
Department of Restorative Dentistry, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil. bpgomes@fop.unicamp.br
Vianna
Morgana Eli
ME
Matsumoto
Carolina Ujissato
CU
Rossi
Vanessa de Paula e Silva
Vde P
Zaia
Alexandre Augusto
AA
Ferraz
Caio Cezar Randi
CC
Souza Filho
Francisco José de
FJ
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000187:drug effects; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019551:Dental Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000187:drug effects; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000382:microbiology; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000187:drug effects; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013298:Streptococcus sanguis / Q000187:drug effects
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D019551:Dental Disinfectants; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite; D002710:Chlorhexidine