Abstract
Aim
The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of chemo-mechanical preparation (CMP) debridement procedures in regard to cleansing and disinfection of the apical third of human molar canals using different protocols.
Material and method
Fifty mesial roots of human mandibular molars containing two canals were inoculated with E. faecalis strains and randomly allocated to five groups (n=10). CMP was carried out with the rotatory Protaper system associated with Kerr files #10 (G1 and G3) and #15 (G2 and G4). G5, the positive control, was subjected to CMP without debridement. Another variable studied was the use of calcium hydroxide-based temporary intracanal medication (Calen) prior to the chemo-mechanical performed in the G3 and G4 groups. Irrigation was performed with 2.5% sodium hypoclorite and 17% EDTA. Antimicrobial activity was quantified by counting the number of colony-forming units (CFU).
Result
Kruskal-Wallis was used for immediate analyses and Mann-Whitney for mediate analyses both with a stipulated value of significance of p=0.01. In the imediate analyses following CMP there were no significant differences among the groups (p=0.11). In the G4 (#15 + MIC) the results of the mediate collections were statistically significant (p=0.01).
Conclusion
Debridement with #10 and #15 Kerr files did not produce significant differences in regard to reduction of E. faecalis when compared to the positive control. In samples where Calen intracanal medication was used debridement with #15 Kerr files was more efficient in reducing the number of CFUs than #10 Kerr files.
Descriptors:
Debridement; Enterococus faecalis; microbiology