In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of nine root canal sealers: direct contact test.

PURPOSE: The aim of this in-vitro study was to analyze the antimicrobial activity of root canal sealers by using the direct contact test.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Nine root canal sealers (4 resin-based sealers, 3 zinc oxide-eugenol based (ZOE) sealers, and 2 calcium hydroxide based sealers) and three microbial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis) were used in the present study. The antimicrobial activity of root canal sealers was tested by using the direct contact test at three time intervals. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Tests of differences were analyzed by T tests and a value of p < or = 0.05 was statistically significant.

RESULTS

Staphylococcus aureus: All sealers showed significant differences when freshly mixed except Endorez and sealapex. Candida albicans (90028): Only the 48 hours and the one week preparations of Sealapex showed significant differences. The 48 hrs preparations of Topseal and AH plus showed significant differences. The ZOE based sealers showed significant differences at all time intevals. Candida albicans (10231): All sealers showed significant differences when freshly mixed except the two calcium hydroxide based sealers that showed no significant differences at all time intervals. Enterococcus faecalis: Topseal, AH plus, AH 26, Sealite regular and Acroseal showed significant differences only when freshly mixed. The 48 hours and the week preparations of all root canal sealers showed no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that that antimicrobial activity of the tested sealers depends on the time interval between mixing and testing. Most sealers exhibited antibacterial activity when freshly mixed that is lost over time.