An in-vitro assessment of the residual antimicrobial effects and surface alterations of gutta-percha disinfected with four different solutions

• Main Authors: Rashmi Nair, Shweta Bandhe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
• Series: Journal of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences
• Subjects: Aloe Vera; chlorhexidine; gutta-percha cones; propolis
• Online Access: http://www.jdrntruhs.org/article.asp?issn=2277-8632;year=2017;volume=6;issue=2;spage=98;epage=102;aulast=Nair

Context: To evaluate the residual antimicrobial effects and surface alterations of gutta-percha disinfected with four different solutions. Materials and Methods: Eighty gutta-percha cones (ISO #40) were randomly assigned to four experimental groups; different types of disinfecting solutions were used for each, namely sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX), aloe vera, and propolis (n = 20 for each group). The cones were immersed in each solution for 5 minutes and 10 minutes; thereafter they were dried. Agar diffusion assay was performed to assess the zone of inhibition. Scanning electron microscope analysis was conducted on additional 80 disinfected cones. Statistical Analysis Used: The data was analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni multiple comparison test and Man–Whitney U test. Results: Statistical significance was observed among the four groups (P < 0.05). Group IV displayed no statistical significance at 5 minutes and 10 minutes exposure, whereas groups I, II, and III displayed statistical significance at both exposures. Based on the above-mentioned results, gutta-percha when immersed in propolis for 5 minutes and 10 minutes had shown better residual antibacterial action as compared to other test solutions. No surface alterations were detected on gutta-percha cones during the selected time intervals. Conclusion: Propolis followed by aloe vera possesses superior antibacterial efficacy as compared to sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine and does not cause any surface alterations to gutta-percha.