An in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of nine root canal sealers.

AIM The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the antimicrobial activity of root canal sealers by using the agar diffusion test (ADT). METHODS AND MATERIALS Three categories of root canal sealers were included in the study: resin-based sealers (4), zinc oxide-based sealers (3), and calcium hydroxide-based sealers (2). The microbial strains used were: S. aureus (2 strains), C. albicans (2 strains), and E. faecalis (1 strain). Statistical analysis was conducted using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Tests of differences were analyzed using the Tukey's test with a value of p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS The antimicrobial activity of root canal sealers was ranked in descending order as follows: Sealite Regular, Cortisemol, Dentalis KEZ, AH26, Sealapex, Acroseal/Topseal, and Endorez/AH plus. CONCLUSION Root canal sealers showed different inhibitory effects depending on their types and the bacterial strains tested. Root canal sealers containing formaldehyde and eugenol proved to be effective against the microorganisms studied. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The incorporation of antimicrobial components into root canal sealers may become an essential factor in preventing the re-growth of residual bacteria and control of bacteria re-entry into the root canal system.