ABSTRACT

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.