Endodontic Sealers Antimicrobial Activity on Biofilm After Using Calcium Hydroxide

Objectives: The present study aimed at comparing the antimicrobial activity Acroseal, Sealapex and AH Plus endodontic sealers, after use of calcium hydroxide in an in vitro biofilm model.
Methods: Bovine dentin specimens (240) were prepared, and eight blocks for each group were placed and left in contact with plates containing inoculum of E. faecalis (ATCC 51299), to induce biofilm formation. After 14 days, the samples were washed in saline and they were transferred to other plate, which were placed in contact with a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide for 14 days. After this period, the specimens were washed in saline and they were transferred to other plate where the disks of sealer to be tested were placed on the biofilm. The culture plates were kept at 37 degrees Celsius for 2, 7 and 14 days. Samples without sealers and calcium hydroxide were used as control for each experimental time. After each experimental time, the samples were agitated in a sonicator after each experiment. The suspensions were agitated in a vortex mixer, serially diluted in saline, and triple plated onto m-Enterococcus agar. Colony forming units were counted, and the data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, Shapiro-Wilk and Kruskal-Wallis one-way tests (p<0.05) to determine antimicrobial potential.
Results: Sealapex after use calcium hydroxide showed significant differences at all the experimental time points, in comparison with all the other groups. However, Sealapex without calcium hydroxide also showed high antimicrobial activity. Neither of the materials tested were able to completely eliminate the biofilm.
Conclusions: In conclusion the use of calcium hydroxide showed better results when associated with Sealapex.