Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of IKI and NaOCl Irrigants in Infected Root Canals: An In Vivo Study

INTRODUCTION Effective debridement of the root canal system with chemical irrigants prior to obturation is the key to long-term success of endodontic therapy. The purpose of this study is to compare the antibacterial activity of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% iodine potassium iodide (IKI) solutions as intracanal disinfectant in infected root canals during one-visit endodontic treatment procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty single-rooted teeth with necrotic pulps in 27 patients were selected according to specific inclusion/exclusion criteria and divided into two random groups. In group I, canals were irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl during instrumentation and in group II canals were initially irrigated with sterile saline during biomechanical preparation and then exposed to a 5-minute final irrigation with 2% IKI. Bacterial samples were taken before treatment (S(1)), and at the end of treatment (S(2)). Mann-Whitney U test was used for analysis. RESULTS Bacteria were present in all initial samples. NaOCl was able to significantly reduce the number of colony forming units (CFU) from S(1) to S(2) in approximately 90% of canals. Only 15% reductions in CFUs occurred after irrigation/instrumentation in group II; this degree of disinfection was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION According to this study, although root canal irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl could not eradicate all bacteria within the canals; it was significantly superior in comparison with 2% IKI use.