Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Propolis Extract and Nd:YAG Laser Against Persistent Endodontic Pathogens

Abstract

The main object of endodontic treatment is to reduce the microbial load of infected root canal and prevent recontamination by the means of chemo-mechanical approaches. Insufficient removal of microorganisms or debris due to the limited antimicrobial efficacy of agents could lead to persistence of inter radicular infection and endodontic treatment failure. In this study we evaluated combination of propolis and Nd:YAG laser against endodontic pathogens: Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Materials and Methods Human extracted teeth were prepared chemo-mechanically and inoculated with selected pathogens to form biofilm. After four weeks of incubation, samples were treated with calcium hydroxide for, propolis, Nd:YAG laser, propolis medicament followed by Nd:YAG laser and normal saline as control group. Dentin chips were collected using Gates-Glidden five and six. Samples were cultured on agar plates and colony-forming units were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. Results All experimental groups reduced the colonies significantly compared to control groups. Propolis and Nd:YAG alone were significantly effective than calcium hydroxide. Propolis and propolis/laser showed the best results. Conclusion Application of propolis as an intracanal medicament followed by Nd:YAG laser is an effective method for elimination of endodontic pathogens.