Antimicrobial activity of root canal sealers against some standard strains and clinical isolates

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial effects of eight different canal sealants used in dentistry against five different standard strains and five clinical isolates by direct exposure test and agar diffusion test. In vitro antimicrobial effects of EndoSequence BC, Well Root ST, MTA-Fillapex, Ortho-MTA, AH Plus, 2 Seal, Sealapex, Adseal sealers to S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis, C. albicans and S. mutans (5 clinical isolates and 5 standard strains), were investigated by the direct exposure test and the agar diffusion test. In periods of 24h, 48h and 72 hours, zone of growth inhibition were measured. Results observed by agar diffusion test exhibited that Adseal sealer occurred the strongest antimicrobial activity to S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. mutans. In addition to this, 2 Seal sealer presented strongest antimicrobial activity to E. faecalis and C. albicans. All root canal sealers have been shown to have antimicrobial activity after 48 hours at the latest by direct exposure test. All sealers showed an antimicrobial effect by creating inhibition zones of different degrees against all microorganisms. All sealers have higher antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates than standard strains. In order for the root canal sealers to be effective against these microorganisms, they must be provided with a certain incubation period. In addition, reference studies should be made globally and periodically by the world dental authorities to determine the antimicrobial activities of these sealers. These studies should be taken as a reference by dentists at the application stage.