The antibacterial activity of mineral trioxide aggregate containing calcium fluoride

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Because complete microbial elimination of the infected root canal system is nearly impossible to achieve, the use of root canal fillings with antibacterial effects may help to minimize intracanal infections. Our previous study, MTA modified by CaF(2) addition, improved the biocompatibility and mineralization potential of human dental pulp cells without adverse effect on the physical properties. In this study, the antibacterial effect of MTA after CaF(2) addition was evaluated for use as a root canal sealer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of MTA after the addition of CaF(2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antibacterial activities of MTA and MTA–CaF(2) mixture against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Porphyromonas endodontalis (P. endodontalis), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) were investigated with MTA-CaF(2) powder and eluates. The bacterial growth was measured by optical density using a spectrophotometer and the bacterial colony counting. RESULTS: MTA inhibited the growth of E. faecalis, P. endodontalis, and P. gingivalis, and the addition of CaF(2) improved this antibacterial effect in a concentration dependent manner (p < 0.05). E. faecalis was more resistant to MTA-CaF(2) than the other groups of bacteria. CONCLUSION: The addition of more than 5% CaF(2) to MTA can increase the antibacterial activity.