Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Calcium Hydroxide, Chlorhexidine, and Triple Antibiotic Paste in Different Combination Forms as Intracanal Medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis in Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Randomized Clinical Trial

AIM: To compare and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) between a mix of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)] powder and normal saline, a mix of Ca(OH)(2) powder and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate solution, a mix of triple antibiotic powder (TAP) and normal saline, and mix of TAP and 2% CHX gluconate solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 teeth were included in the study. The first sample (S1) was collected after access opening from the widest canal of the tooth by inserting sterile absorbable paper point no 20 up to the full length of the canal for 1 minute. The second sample (S2) was collected after the chemomechanical preparation and irrigation. After that, subjects were randomly divided into four groups—group I—a mix of Ca(OH)(2) and normal saline; group II—a mix of Ca(OH)(2) and 2% CHX; group III—a mix of TAP and normal saline; and group IV—a mix of TAP and 2% CHX. Assigned intracanal medicaments were placed in the canals, and the teeth were temporarily sealed with a temporary restorative material. On the 7th day, canals were reopened and irrigated, and a third bacteriological sample (S3) was taken out. Later, canals were filled with suitable obturating material, followed by the placement of the permanent restoration. RESULTS: There was a very highly significant (p < 0.005) difference in E. faecalis count in all the groups on day 7 after placement of intracanal medicament, being highest in group IV followed by group II, group III, and group I. CONCLUSION: Triple antibiotic powder (TAP) mixed with 2% CHX gluconate solution has superior antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis in primary teeth. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Qamar S, Jayanna R, Ahuja VR. Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Calcium Hydroxide, Chlorhexidine, and Triple Antibiotic Paste in Different Combination Forms as Intracanal Medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis in Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(3):448–452.