Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity and pH Values of Pulp Capping Materials Containing Bioactive Glass

Objectives: This study evaluated the antibacterial properties and pH differentiation of four different pulp capping materials.
Methods: The disc-shaped specimens were prepared from all experimental materials Biner LC, Theracal LC and bioactive glass containing Activa and Imicryl). Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed in aqueous suspension against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The numbers of viable bacteria in suspensions before (0 min) and after (90 min) exposure were determined by plate count technique. Antimicrobial activity of specimens was expressed as percentage reduction value. The pH values were measured at 1,2,8,24,48 and 168 h. Data were evaluated using One-way-ANOVA and Tukey-HSD post-hoc-test (alpha=0.05).
Results: Under dynamic contact conditions, E. coli live counts were reduced by 66.2% and 63.6%, respectively, after 90 min of exposure to disk-shaped Imicryl and Activa samples. S.aureus live counts were reduced by 61% in Imicryl samples. At the end of 168 h control period, the highest pH values were measured in Imicryl (pH 10.66) and Activa (pH 10.37) specimens but no significant difference was found between the two materials (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Pulp capping material containing bioactive glass can be used successfully to achieve the antimicrobial effect.