Antimicrobial efficacy of endodontic irrigants and combination surfactant regimens on enterococcus faecalis. an in vitro microbiological study

Background: Disinfection of the root canal system is primarily achieved by endodontic irrigants. Although most products contain surfactants which claim to enhance the antimicrobial properties of the irrigants no current data exists. objective: Thus the purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of endodontic irrigants and surfactant irrigation regimens with MTAD on E.faecalis. Methods: Primary irrigants such as NaOCl, CHX, IKI were prepared at concentrations of 5%, 2.5%, 2% &1%; while MTAD served as the control group. Surfactants such as Cetrimide (CTR) and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) were prepared at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, 1% & 2%. The modified Kirby – Bauer method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy. The data obtained was analyzed by Anova and Bonferroni multiple comparison test. Results: Only IKI (5%) was non significant (p>0.5) with MTAD. MTAD was statistically significant (p<0.5) with CTR & SDS. MTAD was statistically significant (p<0.5) over combination irrigant regimens (2%CHX +0.5%CTR & 2%CHX + 1%SDS). Conclusion: Surfactants CTR & SDS in combination with CHX showed significant antimicrobial activity; however MTAD proved to be superior.