Confocal scanner laser evaluation of bactericidal effect of different antibiotic mixtures used for dental pulp regeneration: a preliminary study

• Main Authors: Genta Elisa, Alovisi Mario, Cuffini Anna Maria, Mandras Narcisa, Luganini Anna, Roana Janira, Pasqualini Daminano, Scotti Nicola, Berutti Elio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ariesdue 2016-06-01
• Series: Giornale Italiano di Endodonzia
• Subjects: antibiotics; Trimix pulp regeneration; confocal scanner; Triclaritro
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1121417116300097

Aim: Evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and depth of action into dentinal tubules of different antibiotic mixtures used for dental pulp regeneration (1-9). Methodology: Cylindrical specimens of radicular dentine (n = 72), sterilized with ethylene oxide, have been infected with Enterococcus Faecalis (3 × 107 CFU/mL) for 3 weeks (10). Specimens were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups (n = 20) plus positive (n = 6) and negative (n = 6) controls. • TRIMIX group (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and minocycline) • BIMIX group (ciprofloxacin and metronidazole) • TRICLARITRO group (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and clarithromycin) Each experimental group was divided in two subgroups exposed to antibiotic paste formulations added to macrogol (MG) or ialuronic acid (HA). After 3 weeks o exposition to antibiotic formulations, all specimens were vertically fractured and analyzed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and viability staining (Live/Dead BacLight Viability Stain) to quantitatively evaluate the ratio of dead/live bacteria into dentine tubules (11-12). Volume ratio of red fluorescence (Dead bacteria) was calculated in three-dimensional reconstructions. Differences among groups were analyzed with Kruskall-Wallis and post-hoc Dunn's test (P < 0,05). Mean penetration depth of action was recorded and differences were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni's test (P < 0,05). Results: No significant differences regarding bactericidal effect between TRIMIX and TRICLARITRO were reported (P > 0,05). All antibiotic mixtures conveyed by HA showed a better efficacy compared with MG (P < 0,05). TRIMIX penetration mean was higher than TRICLARITRO and BIMIX (P < 0,05), but there were no differences between HA and MG sub-groups (P > 0,05). Conclusions: TRICLARITRO antibiotic mixture showed an effective antibacterial action deep into dentinal tubules, without the risk of tooth crown staining (10).