Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of grape seed extract and Nd:YAG against persistent endodontic pathogens

Abstract

Background The most important objective of endodontic treatment is to eradicate bacterial infection from root canal system and periradicular tissues. Enterococcus faecalis, Stapylococcus aureus and Candida albicans are often detected from infected root canals. Chemo-mechanical preparations are not able to eliminate infections completely. Therefore, using new antimicrobial agents like GSE and lasers (Nd:YAG) might help root canal decontamination. Methods and Material A total of 165 standardized human teeth were collected. Teeth were decoronated and after instrumentation, were sterilized. Specimens were inoculated with E.faecalis, C.albicans, S.aureus. After 4 weeks incubation, specimens were divided to 5 groups (GSE/ GSE+Nd:YAG/ Nd:YAG/ Ca(OH)2/ Control). Dentin shavings were collected and cultured. After incubation, colonies were counted. Statistical analysis were made using kruskal wallis and mann whitney u test. Results All experimental groups showed significant bacterial reduction relative to control group. Using GSE and Nd:YAG had the most bacterial reduction and Ca(OH)2 had the least bacterial reduction. C.albicans was the most persistent microorganism. Conclusions Using GSE as an intracanal medicament and Nd:YAG can reduce microorganisms significantly and GSE can be an alternative to Ca(OH)2.