ABSTRACT
Aims and Objectives: The main motive of endodontic treatment is elimination of microorganisms and their by-products from the root canal system which is obtained to some extent. The microorganism which persistently harbor in root canal is a Gram-negative facultative anaerobe; Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). The aim of this study was to determine whether irrigation with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine, ozone gas, and turmeric extract was effective against E. faecalis. Materials and Methods: Cultures of E. faecalis were grown in BHI broth at 37°C. Four round wells, 4 mm deep and 8 mm diameter, named as groups A, B, C, and D. 50 μl of the irrigants was added to the wells with the help of micropipette as follows: Group A - 2% NaOCl, Group B - 2% chlorhexidine, Group C - ozonated water, and Group D - turmeric extract. Results: Maximum antimicrobial activity was shown by 2% chlorhexidine, followed by 2% NaOCl. Turmeric extract and ozonated water showed comparable zone of inhibitions to NaOCl and chlorhexidine. Conclusion: About 2% of chlorhexidine has a significant antimicrobial effect against E. faecalis. Microbial inhibition potential of turmeric extract and ozonated water observed in this study opens perspectives for its use as a root canal irrigant.
KEYWORDS:Enterococcus faecalis, Irrigants, Sodium hypochlorite, Chlorhexidine, Ozonated water turmeric extract.