An in vitro comparison of antimicrobial effcacy of three root canal irrigants-BioPure MTAD, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite as a final rinse against E. faecalis.

AIM This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and BioPure MTAD when used as a fnal rinse against Enterococcus faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty single-rooted premolars were biomechanically prepared, inoculated with E. faecalis and divided into various groups. These were then irrigated with the test irrigants and tested microbiologically for growth of E. faecalis immediately after irrigation and after 48 hours. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed that there was a signifcant difference between the antibacterial activities of BioPure MTAD, 2% CHX and 5.25% NaOCl at 5 minutes; however, the antibacterial activities of the three irrigants were comparable after 2 days of irrigation. CONCLUSION The present study concludes that BioPure MTAD is as effective against E. faecalis as 5.25% NaOCl and more effective than 2% CHX. CLINICAL SIGNIFCANCE: E. faecalis is one of the most resistant intracanal species and a possible cause of root canal failure. Many authors have stressed the importance of using antimicrobial irrigants during chemomechanical preparation to ensure complete disinfection. Therefore, various irrigating solutions have been used during and immediately after root canal preparation to remove debris and necrotic pulp tissue and to eliminate microorganisms that cannot be reached by mechanical instrumentation.