Clinical evaluation of the antibacterial action of different root canal medicaments

Abstract

Background: Different intracanal medicaments were evaluated in vivo for their antibacterial action.Materials and methods: A total of one hundred and twenty anterior opened necrotic teeth with no apicalradiolucencies were chosen for this study. Endodontic treatment procedures were performed to the teeth whichwere medicated between the appointments by different intracanal medicaments (Tricresol formalin, formocresol ,2% acetic acid, CMCP, calcium hydroxide, and normal saline as control). The elimination of the bacterial flora ofthese teeth was monitored during the treatment appointments by swabbing the root canals and culturing the swabson blood agar culture media.Results: The teeth medicated by tricresol formalin formocresol and 2% acetic acid experienced the most decrease inthe bacteria count and showed the highest negative cultures. CMCP was next, then calcium hydroxide and lastlynormal saline.Conclusion: The chemo mechanical debridement of the root canals was effective in eliminating most of thebacterial flora but not to the degree of sterility