In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of different Gutta-percha points and calcium hydroxide pastes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different compositions of Gutta-percha points and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)(2)) pastes, used in endodontic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The evaluated material consisted of Gutta-percha points containing Ca(OH)(2), Gutta-percha points containing chlorhexidine (Chx), conventional Gutta-percha points and Ca(OH)(2) pastes. Antimicrobial properties of Chx and CaOH paste are compared with CaOH points. Antimicrobial tests included three species of microorganisms: Escherichia coli (ATCC 25923), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25922) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC BAA-427), the agar disc diffusion method was employed. The plates were kept at room temperature for 2 h for prediffusion and then incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Zones of inhibition were measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All microbial species used in the study were inhibited by the Gutta-percha points containing Chx and by the Ca(OH)(2) pastes, no antimicrobial activity was observed for the other groups (conventional Gutta-percha and Ca(OH)(2) group).