Comparison of the antimicrobial efficacy of 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD to 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA for root canal irrigation

The purpose of this study was to compare the anti microbial efficacy of 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD to 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA for root canal irrigation. Twenty-six bilaterally matched pairs of human teeth were collected. The teeth were incubated with Enterococcus faecalis for 4 weeks. The teeth were divided into two experimental groups and one positive control group. The canals were instrumented and irrigated with either 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA or 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD. Bacteria[ samples were collected after instrumentation/irrigation and after additional canal enlargement. Statistical analysis of the data using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test showed significant differences between the experimental groups. The first bacteria] samples revealed growth in 0 of 20 samples with 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA irrigation and in 8 of 20 samples with 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD irrigation. Samples taken after additional canal enlargement revealed growth in 0 of 20 samples in 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA and in 10 of 20 samples in 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD group. This investigation showed consistent disinfection of infected root canals with 5.25% NaOCl/15% EDTA. The combination of 1.3% NaOCl/BioPure MTAD left nearly 50% of the canals contaminated with E. faecalis.