title: The effect of Carvacrol on Enterococcus faecalis as a final irrigant.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is an effective antimicrobial irrigant, however its toxic effects and deterrent odor are not ideal. Carvacrol is an edible plant extract with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that is effective against Enterococcus (E) faecalis. The aim of this study was to evaluate Carvacrol's antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis bacteria as a final irrigant.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty extracted single-rooted human teeth were utilized. After mechanical preparations, samples were randomly divided into three experimental (A, B and C) and two control groups. E. faecalis was cultured in both experimental and positive control groups. After bacterial counting in all canals, 5.25% NaOCl, 0.6% Carvacrol emulsion and MTAD were used as final irrigants in groups A, B and C respectively. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no meaningful difference in bacterial reduction between groups A and B; however, group C showed significantly lower efficacy compared to other groups (P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 0.6% Carvacrol disinfects root canals effectively. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities and therefore may be an acceptable alternative for NaOCl.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Dental School, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nosrat
authors.forename: Behnam
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bolhari
authors.forename: Mohammad Reza
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Sharifian
authors.forename: Marziyeh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aligholi
authors.forename: Mahsa Sadat
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Mortazavi
keywords: Carvacrol; Enterococcus faecalis; MTAD; Sodium hypochlorite