In vitro evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of calcium hydroxide in different vehicles

AIM: This study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of calcium hydroxide (CH) in different vehicles in an in vitro model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Calcium hydroxide paste prepared with two conventionally used vehicles namely, camphorated monochlophenol, distilled water and propylene glycol. The antibacterial activity of these paste were tested against five micro-organisms that can commonly occur in the infected root canals. RESULTS: The results of this study indicate that a paste of CH made with propylene glycol exerts significant antibacterial action. Hence, it can be recommended for use as an intracanal medicament in preference to a paste prepared with a tissue toxic phenolic compound like camphorated monochlorophenol.