Disinfection of dentinal tubules with 2% Chlorhexidine gel, Calcium hydroxide and herbal intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis: An in-vitro study.

AIM: This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the disinfection of dentinal tubules using 2% Chlorhexidine gel, Honey, Aloe vera gel, Curcuma longa, Propolis gel and Calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: Two hundred and ten human mandibular first premolars were infected with Enterococcus faecalis for 21 days. Samples were divided into 7 groups. Group I- Saline (negative control), Group II- 2% Chlorhexidine gel(CHX), Group III- honey, Group IV- Aloe vera gel, Group V- 20% Curcuma longa gel, Group VI- Propolis gel and Group VII -Calcium hydroxide (CH). At the end of 1, 3 and 5 days, the antimicrobial efficacy of medicaments against E.faecalis was assessed at the depths of 200µm and 400µm.

RESULTS: 2% Chlorhexidine gel was most effective followed by Propolis and Curcuma longa.

CONCLUSION: 2% Chlorhexidine gel gave the best results. Among the herbal extracts Propolis and Curcuma longa hold a promising future but to implement their use as sole intracanal medicaments clinically, further in vivo and long term studies are warranted.