Influence of calcium hydroxide root-canal sealer on microbial growth in vitro.

The calcium hydroxide-based filling material Apexit, which is often used in endodontic practice, was evaluated for its antibacterial and antifungal effects against microorganisms isolated from oral cavity ( Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas putida, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans). Two different quantitative techniques were employed—the direct-contact test was used to examine the efficacy of freshly mixed material while the broth-survival test was employed to check the antimicrobial properties of 5-d-old material. Apexit inhibited Gram-negative bacteria more effectively than Gram-positive ones but had none or a very weak inhibitory effect on C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]