Bacterial Reduction in Infected Root Canals Treated with Calcium Hydroxide Using Hand and Rotary Instrument: an In-vivo Study

Background and Aim: The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the microbial flora in infected root canals after the treatment with and without calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) dressing using hand and rotary instruments. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-eight patients were selected. After access cavity preparation completed, the first culture were taken from each root canal with sterile paper points. Four groups were formed. Group I and II were instrumented with ProTaper instruments, group III and IV were instrumented step-back technique with K files. Group I and III were medicated with Ca (OH)2 paste. One week after, the second culture was taken and the canals were filled. All samples were submitted to microbiological processing to evaluate anaerobe and aerobe microorganism. The results statistically analyzed with McNemar and Chi-Square tests at p<0.05. Results: There was a significant decrease in bacteria elimination in Group III compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Groups, in which Ca(OH)2 was applied, were found significantly better to eliminate bacteria in root canals than the groups without Ca(OH)2. Conclusion: Better root canal disinfection could be obtained by mechanical preparation with application of Ca(OH)2 for one week.