In vitro evaluation of five root canal sealer's antibacterial activity using two different methods

- Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a polydimethylsiloxane based endodontic sealer (Roeko Seal, Roeko, Langenau, Germany), a ZOE-based endodontic sealer (Sultan, Sultan Chemists, Inc., Englewood), a glass ionomer based endodontic sealer (Ketac-Endo, ESPE, GBMH & Co., Seefeld-Oberbay, Germany), an epoxy resin based endodontic sealer (AH-Plus, Dentsply, De Trey, Konstanz, Germany) and a calcium hydroxide based endodontic sealer (Sealapex, Kerr, Romulus. MI, U.S.A.) with the use of E.feacalis as a test organism. - Methods: An agar diffusion test (ADT) and a direct contact test (DCT) were used. For the DCT, the sealers were mixed and placed on the side wall of microtiter plate wells. A 10 mL bacterial suspension was placed on the tested material samples. Bacteria were allowed to directly contact to the sealers. The first measurement was done after one hour through every 30 minutes for 19 hours by spectrofotometrically using an Anthos Labtec HT 2 . For the ADT, a 200 mL bacterial suspension was spread on BHI agar plates. Measurements were done after 24 h, 7, 14 and 21 days. - Results: DCT results showed that Ketac-Endo was a significantly more potent baterial growth inhibitor than Sealapex and RoekoSeal (p<0.05). Sultan and AH Plus were gave similar results with Ketac-Endo (not sig.). According to ADT, Roeko Seal showed the lowest and Sealapex showed the highest antibacterial activity when compared to the others (p<0.05). - Conclusions: The antibacterial efficiancy of the materials were varied according to the tests used. It was concluded that the technique, the time or ingredients of the tested materials effects the results of the microbiological studies.