Effectiveness of chemomechanical preparation with alternating use of sodium hypochlorite and EDTA in eliminating intracanal Enterococcus faecalis biofilm.
BACKGROUND
The elimination of microorganisms from root canals is a critical step in endodontic treatment. We aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of an alternating irrigation regimen during chemomechanical preparation (CMP).


METHODS
During 21 days, root canals of extracted human teeth were infected with Enterococcus faecalis, and colonization was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Canals were irrigated with saline solution (control group), with 5.25% NaOCl followed by a final rinse with 17% EDTA (conventional irrigation group), or with the alternating use of NaOCl and EDTA (alternating irrigation [AI] group). Samples were taken before treatment (S1), after CMP (S2), and during the following 14 days. Two specimens/group were analyzed by SEM.


RESULTS
The AI group yielded negative agar and liquid cultures from immediately after CMP and from the 5th day on, respectively. SEM confirmed several bacterium-free sites in the AI group.


CONCLUSIONS
The irrigation regimen based on the alternating use of NaOCl and EDTA seems to be a promising endodontic tool because it promoted the elimination of root canal E. faecalis biofilms throughout the experimental period.
Soares
Janir Alves
JA
Department of Dentistry, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Roque de Carvalho
Maria Auxiliadora
MA
Cunha Santos
Suelleng Maria
SM
Mendonça
Rafael Mangerotti Castro
RM
Ribeiro-Sobrinho
Antonio Paulino
AP
Brito-Júnior
Manoel
M
Magalhães
Paula Prazeres
PP
Santos
Maria Helena
MH
de Macêdo Farias
Luiz
L
D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000382:microbiology*; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology
D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D004492:Edetic Acid; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite