Early antimicrobial activity of intracanal medications on the external root surface of periodontally compromised teeth.
OBJECTIVE
To verify the effect of scaling and root planing on the antimicrobial activity of intracanal medications on the external root surface of periodontally compromised teeth.


METHODS
Forty single-rooted extracted teeth were randomly assigned for visible calculus removal or scaling and root planing. Samples were separated into four groups-chlorhexidine, tetracycline hydrochloride, calcium hydroxide, or saline solution-and immersed in semisolid media and seeded with Micrococcus luteus for 24 hours. The zones of inhibition were measured using a profile projector.


RESULTS
Calcium hydroxide and saline solution did not show bacterial growth inhibition. Chlorhexidine and tetracycline showed the occurrence of zones of inhibition in 70% and 40% of specimens, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Partial antimicrobial activity on the external root surface was found when chlorhexidine and tetracycline solutions were used as intracanal medications; however, root planing procedures may modify this condition.
Silva
Mônica Reggi Reis
MR
Division of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Chambrone
Leandro
L
Bombana
Antônio Carlos
AC
Lima
Luiz A
LA
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000628:therapy*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000628:therapy; D004058:Diffusion; D052978:Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Tests; D016982:Micrococcus luteus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016745:Root Planing; D013499:Surface Properties; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000382:microbiology*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D013752:Tetracycline; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide; D002710:Chlorhexidine