In Vivo Antimicrobial Efficacy of Three Different Root Canal Irrigants

Objectives: To compare and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of 3% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine and 6% morinda citrifolia as root canal irrigant
Methods: Thirty nine non-vital maxillary anterior teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups, corresponding to the irrigant to be tested.
Group 1 : 3% Sodium hypochlorite ( n = 13 )
Group 2 : 2% Chlorhexidine ( n = 13 )
Group 3 : 6% Morinda citrifolia ( n = 13 )
After access cavity preperation, the initial enlargement was done upto 20 K stainless steel file and pre-operative sample was obtained. Complete shaping and cleaning was done using stainless steel K-files with 20 ml of the randomised test irrigant followed by intermittent usage of 17% EDTA gel and 10 ml of saline as a final irrigant. Post-operative root canal sample was collected and analysed for CFU count.
Results: 2% Chlorhexidine showed better antimicrobial efficacy when compared to 3% Sodium hypochlorite and 6% Morinda citrifolia ( p<0.05 ). There was no statistical significant difference between group 1 ( 3% Sodium hypochlorite ) and group 3 ( 6% Morinda citrifolia ).
Conclusions: All the three irrigants showed good antimicrobial efficacy. But, 2% Chlorhexidine showed better results followed by 3% Sodium hypochlorite and 6% Morinda citrifolia.