Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Chlorhexidine, Diode Laser, and Saline in Reducing the Microbial Count in Primary Teeth Root Canals: An In Vivo Study

CONTEXT: Different irrigation materials in pediatric endodontics. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX), diode laser, and saline in primary teeth root canals. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This manuscript is designed to know the effectiveness of the different root canal irrigants and laser irradiation technology in primary teeth root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 primary teeth from 60 children were selected and divided into three groups of 20 each. Group I (CHX), group II (diode laser), and group III (saline). Pulp tissue was extirpated from the root canals of primary teeth, and samples were collected using sterile paper points. After cleaning and shaping, the root canals of the teeth in each group were disinfected using CHX and saline or irradiated with a diode laser. The samples were collected again and sent for microbiological examination. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analyzes were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance. All analyzes were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23.0. RESULTS: The colony-forming unit (CFU) of the predisinfection sample served as a baseline for comparisons throughout the study. The mean microbial counts of all the postdisinfected samples were reduced after disinfection. Intergroup comparisons showed significant results between groups I and III (CHX and saline) and groups II and III (diode laser and saline) (p < 0.01), whereas groups I and II (CHX and diode laser) showed nonsignificant results (p < 0.092). CONCLUSION: Diode laser irradiation succeeded in reducing root canal infection when compared with 2% CHX. Diode laser irradiation can also be used for disinfecting the root canal in primary teeth. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Botu RK, Rachuri P, Martha S, et al. Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Chlorhexidine, Diode Laser, and Saline in Reducing the Microbial Count in Primary Teeth Root Canals: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(3):459-463.