BACKGROUND/AIMS
The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of gutta-percha points to reduce bacterial counts.
MATERIAL and METHODS
ISO #40-sized Calcium Hydroxide Plus Points or Activ Points were used for all experiments. Three pieces of each type of gutta-percha points were placed in sterile 0.5-mL eppendorf tubes. After incubating the plates in an anaerobic chamber at 37°C for 2 days, colony forming units’ (CFUs) numbers per milliliter of suspension were calculated, and CFU numbers relating to each time interval were statistically analyzed by using Kruskal–Wallis 1-way analysis of variance and multiple comparison tests.
RESULTS
The results showed that Calcium Hydroxide Plus Points or Activ Points have similar effects to kill the tested microorganisms except Enterococcus faecalis and Peptostreptococcus micros..
CONCLUSION
Calcium Hydroxide Plus Points or Activ Points have similar effects to kill the tested microorganisms and did not kill 100% of E. faecalis and P. micros.
Keywords: Active point, anaerobic bacteria, antimicrobial activity, calcium hydroxide plus point, E. faecalis