Evaluation of Disinfection of Gutta‐ Percha Cones Using Different Chemical Solutions

Background: Disinfection and sterilization of obturating materials in the root canal is necessary for the successful root canal therapy. Various disinfectants have been used to sterilize and disinfect gutta‐ percha including sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorohexidine (CHx), etc. . Effectiveness of peracetic acid over NaOCl is documented in literature, but no study to date has shown the effect of peracetic acid disinfection on gutta‐ percha surface. Aim: This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 3% NaOCl, 1% peracetic acid, 0.5% octenisept in disinfecting gutta‐ percha cones and to analyze surface alterations of gutta‐ percha cones after chemical disinfection. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty gutta‐ percha cones were immersed in bacterial suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli for 5 min. Cones were then immersed in 3% NaOCl, 1% peracetic acid, 0.5% octenisept for 1 and 5 min. After disinfection, cones were incubated in Mueller Hinton Broth at 37°C for 7 days. Samples were observed at 24 h interval and those showing turbidity were subcultured. For morphologic evaluation, cones were immersed in disinfecting solutions for 1 and 5 min, dried on a paper pad for 10 min and analyzed under scanning electron microscope. Data was analyzed using Pearson Chi‐ square test. Results: One percent of peracetic acid was found to be most effective disinfectant. Surface alterations were found in all the groups. Conclusion: The outcome of this study confirmed the efficacy of 1% peracetic acid in the disinfection of gutta‐ percha cones.