Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Diode Laser, Triphala, and Sodium Hypochlorite in Primary Root Canals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

AIM: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of diode laser, triphala, and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) against Enterococc-cus faecalis contaminated primary root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine single-rooted human primary teeth were reduced up to cemento-enamel junction and biomechanically prepared. After sterilization, five teeth were selected as negative controls and remaining teeth were inoculated with E. faecalis. The teeth were then randomly divided into four groups. The first group was irradiated with diode laser, the second group was irrigated with sodium hypochlorite, and the third group with triphala solution. The fourth group served as the positive control. The antimicrobial efficacy was tested by collecting transfer fluid saline from the canals and counting the colony forming units (CFUs) of viable E. faecalis on agar plates. The Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the results, using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 19. RESULTS: The results showed that mean bacterial CFU were 8.00 ± 7.87 for laser, 58.60 ± 16.63 for triphala, and 69.80 ± 19.57 for NaOCl. Laser group showed significant reduction in the colony count compared to the other groups. Triphala group showed better antibacterial activity than NaOCl, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Laser was most effective against E. faecalis and triphala can be used as an alternative disinfectant to NaOCl in primary root canals. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Thomas S, Asokan S, John B, Priya G, Kumar S. Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Diode Laser, Triphala, and Sodium Hypochlorite in Primary Root Canals: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2017;10(1):14-17.