Comparative evaluation of different gutta-percha disinfecting agents: A microbiological study

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical agents and herbal alternatives such as Aleo vera, Neem, and Amla for rapid decontamination of GP cones. Materials and Methods: The reference strains of E. Faecalis were obtained, to know the efficacy of different agents aginst this microbe. Two experimental groups used in this study comprises of Herbal agents and chemical agents. The extracts of the Herbal agents which included amla, aloe vera, neem were prepared whereas the chemical agents were commercially available. Chemical agents • Group 1% – 5% Sodium hypochlorite • Group 2% – 2% Glutaraldehyde • Group 3% – 2% CHX. Herbal agents • Group 4 – Amla • Group 5 – Aloe vera • Group 6 – Neem. The zone of inhibition of the different herbal and chemical agents were checked in two different media. Results: The result of the study showed that CHX was effective in disinfection of GP cones for 1 min followed by glutaraldehyde and sodium hypochlorite. Whereas, Amla was the most effective herbal extract in disinfecting GP followed by Aloe vera and Neem. Conclusion: t CHX and glutaraldehyde are efficient chemical disinfectants. Herbal agents also hold a promising future as a medium for disinfection, in which Amla gave the best results within a short duration of time.