Evaluation of antibacterial effects of different intracanal medicaments on Enterococcus faecalis in primary teeth: An in vitro study

OBJECTIVES: Successful endodontic therapy is based on the reduction of infecting bacteria by cleaning, shaping, and disinfecting of the root canal system, thus the use of intracanal dressing is necessary for optimal success of root canal treatment. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of chitosan and propolis as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis compared to calcium hydroxide in primary root canals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety‐six extracted primary second molars were collected. Teeth preparation was completed to size 30 K‐file. They were randomly divided into four groups; (A): chitosan, (B): propolis, (C): calcium hydroxide, and (D): control group (saline). The tooth specimens were inoculated with E. faecalis. Then, tested materials were applied for all groups in accordance to the groups each tooth belonged to. Following this, the bacterial colonies were counted after 24 h, 72 h, and 1 week of applying dressing materials and incubation. Finally, one–way analysis of variance and Fisher's least significant difference tests were used for statistical comparisons between the groups at a significance level of .05. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between groups A, B, and C for both 24 h and a week (p ≥ .05). Yet, a statistical difference between groups A, B, C, and D after 72 h and 1 week were seen (p ≤ .05). CONCLUSIONS: Chitosan and propolis medicaments were as effective as calcium hydroxide against E. faecalis in primary root canal treatment and might be considered as an alternative dressing material between treatment sessions.