Search

The failure of endodontic treatment is directly associated with microbial infection in the root canal or periapical areas. An endodontic sealer that is both bactericidal and biocompatible is essential for the success of root canal treatments. This is one of the vital issues yet to be solved in clinical dental practice. This in vitro study assessed the effectiveness of graphene oxide (GO) composites GO-CaF2 and GO-Ag-CaF2 as endodontic sealer materials. Dentin slices were coated with either the GO-based composites or commonly used root canal sealers (non-eugenol zinc oxide sealer). The coated slices were treated in 0.9% NaCl, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37˚C for 24 hours to compare their sealing effect on the dentin surface. In addition, the radiopacity of these composites was examined to assess whether they complied with the requirements of a sealer for good radiographic visualization. Scanning electron microscopy showed the significant sealing capability of the composites as coating materials. Radiographic images confirmed their radiopacity. Mineral deposition indicated their bioactivity, especially of GO-Ag-CaF2, and thus it is potential for regenerative application. They were both previously shown to be bactericidal to oral microbes and cytocompatible with host cells. With such a unique assemblage of critical properties, these GO-based composites show promise as endodontic sealers for protection against reinfection in root canal treatment and enhanced success in endodontic treatment overall.

Aim To determine the antimicrobial effect of five bioactive endodontic sealers against 48 h old Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. Methodology Bacterial suspension with E. faecalis, which had been isolated from root canal with chronic apical periodontitis, was grown on cellulose nitrate membrane filters (Whatman GmbH, Germany) and placed on the Mitis Salivarius agar plates. After the incubation period (48 h), the colonization was con- firmed by scanning electron microscopy. Then, the membranes were divided into six experimental groups (n = 8/each) according to the tested sealer: 1: TotalFill Bioceramic Sealer (BC Sealer, FKG, Switzerland) ; 2. BioRoot RCS (Septodont, Saint-Maur-Des- Fosses, France) ; 3. MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina, Brasil) ; 4. MTA Plus (PrevestDenpro, Bradenton, USA) ; 5. Apexit (Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) ; 6. AH Plus (Dentsply, Konstanz, Ger- many). The sealers were prepared according to the manufactur- ers’ instructions and approximately 40 lL of each sealer was placed on each membrane. After 30 min of exposure, sealers were removed. The membranes were transferred to tubes containing sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and agitated. After 10-fold serial dilution, the aliquots were plated on Mitis Salivarius agar plates. After 24 h of incubation colony forming units (CFUs) were counted. Positive controls included membranes with E. faecalis and without sealer, and sterile membranes with applied sealer served as negative controls. For the statistical analysis Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used. Results All sealers reduced the number of bacteria significantly (p < 0.005). The greatest antibacterial effect was recorded in the Apexit group (p < 0.005). There were no significant differences in antimicrobial efficacy between other sealers (p < 0.001). Conclusions All tested bioactive endodontic sealers had a signifi- cant and similar antimicrobial effect against E. faecalis, however, Apexit was the most effective.