Evaluation of the efficacy of activated charcoal and activated charcoal calcium hydroxide combination versus calcium hydroxide intracanal medication against Enterococcus faecalis in single rooted premolars teeth: an in vitro study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate efficacy of activated charcoal and activated charcoal/ calcium hydroxide combination versus calcium hydroxide as intracanal medication against Enterococcus faecalis Methods: 42 extracted single rooted premolar teeth were prepared, sterilized and inoculated with E. faecalis for 21 days. After incubation, initial bacterial counts were detected. Then, samples were divided randomly into three groups (n = 14) according to the used medication as follows: Group I: Ca (OH) 2 mixed with distilled water, Group II: activated charcoal /Ca (OH) 2 mixed with distilled water, Group III: activated charcoal mixed with distilled water, then samples were incubated for 7 days. The percentage reduction in colony counts (%RCC) after 7 days was used to measure the antibacterial effectiveness of different intracanal medications. The percentage reduction in bacterial counts in the three groups were compared statistically using the One-way ANOVA test.Results: Activated charcoal and calcium Hydroxide/activated charcoal groups showed statistically significantly higher mean percentage of reduction in bacterial counts than Calcium Hydroxide group.. Conclusion:Activated charcoal and Calcium Hydroxide/Activated charcoal were effective against Enterococcus faecalis than calcium hydroxide.