Search

Introduction: The aim of this study was to correlate the bacterial viability and the presence of 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) solution on dentin by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography for 48 hours, 7 days, and 30 days., Methods: One hundred twenty-three extracted human teeth were used. Samples were divided into 4 groups according to the solution (CHX or saline) and the presence of Enterococus faecalis biofilm. Samples were kept in contact with 5 mL of the solution for 5 minutes. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups according to the evaluation period (n = 10). Statistical analysis was performed by using the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U test (P < .05), and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (P < .01)., Results: There was a negative correlation between the percentage of live cells and the amount of remaining CHX (P = .000). CHX significantly reduced the percentage of viable cells compared with saline after 48 hours (P = .007). Differences were maintained in the 7-day evaluation period (P = .001). After 30 days, the CHX group presented an increase of viable cells, thereby becoming similar to saline (P = .623). Simultaneously, the remaining CHX was significantly reduced in the 30-day specimens (P = .000)., Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that 2% CHX solution was detected for 48 hours and 7 days with a low percentage of viable cells. The presence of microorganisms on human dentin did not affect 2% CHX maintenance., (Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNps) to inactivate bacteria and prevent biofilm formation at sealer-dentin interfaces., Methods: The study was divided into 3 stages: first stage, the experiment was conducted to analyze the antibacterial properties of CMCS in different formulations against biofilms; second stage, direct-contact and membrane-restricted methods were used to evaluate the antibacterial properties of an epoxy resin (ThermaSeal Plus; Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK) and calcium silicate (MTA Fillapex; Angelus SA, Londrina, PR, Brazil) based-sealers with or without CNps; and third stage, biofilm formation at the sealer dentin interfaces of root dentin treated with CMCS and filled with gutta-percha and CNp incorporated sealer were analyzed after 1- and 4-week aging periods. The samples were treated and filled as follows: (1) distilled water: unaltered sealer (control group), (2) CMCS: sealer+CNps (CMCS group), and (3) CMCS/rose bengal: sealer+CNps (CMCS/RB group). Enterococcus faecalis was used to infect all the samples. Microbiological and microscopic analyses were used to assess the antibacterial characteristics., Results: CMCS-based treatments effectively killed bacteria adherent on root dentin (P < .05). The addition of CNps to ThermaSeal enhanced its antibacterial ability by direct-contact and membrane-restricted tests (P < .05). The CNp incorporation significantly increased the antibacterial efficacy of root canal sealers even after a 4-week aging time (P < .05)., Conclusions: This study highlighted the ability of CMCS to disinfect root canal dentin and inhibit bacterial adhesion. CNps in root canal sealers are capable of maintaining their antibacterial activity even after prolonged aging., (Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Although endodontic infection is caused by multi-bacteria species, Enterococcus faecalis is usually isolated in chronic apical periodontitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and mechanical safety of cold plasma therapy in disinfecting 3-week E. faecalis biofilms., Methods: Teeth with 3-week E. faecalis biofilm were treated with AC argon/oxygen (Ar/O2) cold plasma for various treatment times and compared with those treated with Ca(OH)2, 2% chlorhexidine gel, and Ca(OH)2/chlorhexidine for a week. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed by colony-forming unit method. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the morphologic changes of E. faecalis biofilm by plasma. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to confirm the viability of the biofilm after the plasma treatment. Microhardness and roughness changes of root canal dentin caused by plasma were verified with Vickers Hardness Tester and 3D Profile Measurement Laser Microscope, respectively., Results: There were no detectable live bacteria after 12 minutes of cold plasma treatment. This was further confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy results. Microhardness and roughness of root canal dentin showed no significant difference after plasma treatment., Conclusions: Atmospheric pressure cold plasma is an effective therapy in endodontics for its strong sterilization effect on fully matured biofilm within a few minutes. Meanwhile, it has an accepted mechanical safety for its low temperature and not affecting the microhardness and roughness of root canal dentin significantly., (Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)