Comparison of 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite and 2% Chlorhexidine Gel on Oral Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide Reduction from Primarily Infected Root Canals

Introduction: This clinical study was conducted to compare the efficacy of chemomechanical preparation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on eliminating oral bacterial lipo-polysaccharide (LPS) in teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis. Methods: Fifty-four root canals were selected. Samples were collect before (s1) and after chemomechanical preparation (Q). Teeth were randomly divided into groups: GI, 2.5% NaOCl (n = 27) and GII, CHX gel (n = 27). Limulus amebocyte lysate assay was used to quantify endotoxins. Results: Endotoxin was present in 100% of the samples investigated, with a median value of 272 endotoxin units (EU)/mL (GI) and of 152.46 EU/mL (GII). As a result of chemomechanical preparation, LPS content was reduced to a median value of 86 EU/mL (GI) and 85 EU/mL (GII). Higher percentage value of endotoxin reduction was found in GI (P < .05). Conclusions: The 2.5% NaOCl and 2% CHX gel were not effective in eliminating endotoxin from the primarily infected root canals. (I Endod 2009;35:1350-1353)