To Evaluate the Antimicrobial Activity of Herbal Extracts and their Efficacy in Disinfecting Gutta Percha Cones Before Obturation- an in Vitro Study

Context: Gutta percha are known to be contaminated during storage and intra operative manipulation. Chair side disinfection of these points is important and critical for success of endodontic therapy. Gutta percha being heat labile, chemical disinfection is the only viable alternative which takes longer time and may leave a residue. Herbal gels are known to have antimicrobial , antiseptic properties and were not explored till date as an alternative pre operative disinfective medicament for gutta percha points. This paper focuses on use of Herbal gels for disinfection of Gutta percha points. Aim: To evaluate Herbal extracts for their antimicrobial activity and their efficacy in disinfecting Gutta percha cones before obturation. Materials and Methods: Concentrated extracts of Aloe vera, Neem bark and Turmeric were used to check for their antimicrobial efficacy using agar well diffusion method. Presence of inhibition zones were identified against three common gutta percha contaminants namely E-Coli, E-faecalis and Stap Aureus. Sodium hypochlorite(5.25%) and Saline (0.9%) were used as controls. Forty-five Gutta percha cones were www.jmscr.igmpublication.org Impact Factor 3.79 ISSN (e)-2347-176x