Examination of gutta-percha cones for microbial contamination during chemical use

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of microbial contamination in packaged gutta-percha cones before and during use in clinical conditions.Material and Methods:Sealed packages of #15-40 gutta-percha cones were opened under aseptic laboratory conditions. Two gutta-percha cones from each size were randomly drawn and added to tubes containing glass beads and 750 μL of saline. The tubes were vortexed, serially diluted and samples of 250 μL were cultured on agar plates. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 3 days and colonies were counted. The initially sampled packages were distributed to 12 final year dental students. The packages were collected at the end of the first and the third clinical practice days and sampled as described above.Results:Baseline microbial counts did not exceed 3 CFU. At the end of the first and the third day, additional contamination was found in five and three of the packages, respectively. The ratio of contaminated packages at the first day and the third day was not significantly different (z-test; p > 0.05). The numbers of microorganisms cultured at the first day (8 ± 9.9 CFU) and the third day (4.5 ± 8.3 CFU) were not significantly different (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; p > 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the number of filled root canals and cultured microorganisms at either the first day (Spearman's rho; r = 0.481, p = 0.113) or the third day (r = -0.034, p = 0.917).Conclusions:Gutta-percha cones taken directly from manufacturer's sealed package harbored microorganisms. Clinical use of the packages has been found to be associated with additional contamination of the gutta-percha cones. The counts of cultured microorganisms did not correlate well with the number of filled root canals.

Contaminação microbiológica de fios retratores: um estudo in vitro

“…Similarly, in the current study, retraction cords supplied by the manufacturers also showed microbial contamination, although the microorganisms present in the sample were not identified. Therefore, further studies are required to define the potential damage that these microorganisms may cause to patients' health [4].…”

“…Some materials have shown deficiencies, and microorganisms have been identified and isolated, for example, in the powder of impression material containers [3], as well as in instruments used in endodontics [4,5] and orthodontics [6,7].…”

Contamination Of Gutta-Percha Cones In Clinical Use By Endodontic Specialists And General Practitioners

“…However, several studies available in the literature demonstrate the laboratorial effectiveness of disinfection cones procedures, such as immersion for 1 minute in 5,25% NaOCl 6 ; 2,5% NaOCl or 2% chlorhexidine solutions, 8,29 or 1% peracetic acid for rapid disinfection.…”

“…Contamination occurs mainly with continued handling of the boxes, and it may happen by exposure to the physical environment, inappropriate handling by the endodontic professional, or accidental contamination. [7][8][9] …”

“…La contaminación ocurre principalmente por el manejo continuo de las cajas, y puede ocurrir por la exposición al medio físico, por un inadecuado manejo por parte del endodoncista o por contaminación accidental. [7][8][9] Revista Facultad de Odontología Universidad de Antioquia -Vol. 28 N.…”