Evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of ultrasonic-activated and inactivated chlorhexidine (solution and gel) in infected root canals of primary anterior teeth

Objectives

Sodium hypochlorite is not able to completely eliminate Enterococcus faecalis inside root canals. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate chlorhexidine gel and solution in eliminating bacterial counts within infected root canals of primary anterior teeth.

Materials and methods

This study included 75 primary anterior teeth in 27 healthy children and it was divided into five groups: Group 1: Chlorhexidine 2% solution, Group 2: Chlorhexidine 2% solution activated by ultrasonic, Group 3: Chlorhexidine 2% gel, Group 4: Chlorhexidine 2% gel activated by ultrasonic, and Group 5: Sodium hypochlorite solution 5.25%. The preliminary smear for bacterial study (S1) was taken before irrigation. The root canals were irrigated in a quantity of 7 ml using a 31-gauge irrigation needle, and irrigant activation was 2 cycles (20 s). The final smear for bacterial study (S2) was taken after irrigation.

Results

There were no statistically differences in the mean percentage change in the decimal logarithm of the anaerobic bacterial colony count, but statistically differences were found for aerobic bacteria. For aerobic bacteria: CHx 2% solution activated better than CHx 2% and NaOCl 5.25% solutions, CHx 2% gel better than CHx 2% solution, CHx 2% gel activated better than CHx 2% and NaOCl 5.25% solutions.

Conclusion

All irrigation solutions used are effective in eliminating bacterial counts in infected primary canals. Chlorhexidine (solution and gel) can be considered a good alternative to sodium hypochlorite in irrigation root canals of primary teeth.