A comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine gel, and a curcumin-based formulation against Enterococcus faecalis

AIM: This study aimed for a comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine gel, and a curcumin-based formulation against Enterococcus faecalis. METHODS: Thirty single-rooted teeth were taken. Access preparation was done. Biomechanical preparation was done using Protaper universal file till F3. Teeth were decoronated to a standardized root length of 14 mm, and the apical end from outside was sealed using paraffin wax. Teeth were autoclaved under standard conditions and after autoclaving, Phosphate-buffered saline solution was introduced into the roots and was incubated for 24 h to check for the disinfection of roots. Once the disinfection of roots was achieved, the wild strain of E. faecalis, i.e., ATC 29212 strain, was introduced into the teeth and allowed to incubate for 24 h. Following bacterial colonization inside the roots, antimicrobials were introduced and efficacy was checked. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using paired t-test for significance. RESULTS: Significant difference was observed between all the test groups. However, chlorhexidine gel showed the best value of mean difference, indicating it as the best antibacterial medicament. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that chlorhexidine gel showed better antimicrobial properties against E. faecalis than other medicaments.