In vitro antibacterial activity of endodontic sealers

Summary 

Objectives

To evaluate the antibacterial activity of four endodontic sealers: one epoxy resin sealer (AH Plus), two zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE)-based sealers (Endomèthasone, Pulp Canal Sealer), and one sealer containing both ZOE and orthophenilphenol (Vcanalare).

Methods

A direct contact test (DCT) was performed. A 10μl suspension of Enterococcus faecalis was placed on the test material 20min, 24h and 7 days after mixing. Bacteria were allowed to directly contact the sealers for 1h at 37°C. Bacterial growth was then spectrophotometrically measured every 30min for 7h, and again after 24h as well.

Results

All freshly mixed sealers showed complete inhibition of bacterial growth. Similar results were obtained with the 24-h-old samples, with the exception of AH Plus. Vcanalare was the only sealer still inhibiting bacterial growth 7 days after mixing.

Conclusions

The antimicrobial activity of the tested sealers depends on the time interval between mixing and testing. All sealers exhibit bactericidal effect when freshly mixed, but only Vcanalare extended this effect until 7 days after setting.

Keywords: Endodontic sealers, Antibacterial activity, Enterococcus faecalis, Direct contact test