Antimicrobial efficacy of a Novel Obturating Material used in Primary teeth-An In Vitro Study

Introduction : Managing primary teeth with pulpectomy is a strenuous procedure and the chances for re-infection or failure of the endodontic treatment is more due to the complex and varied morphology of the primary root canals. This necessitates the need for an ideal obturating material for primary teeth with maximal of antibacterial properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of different concentrations of the Novel Obturating Material against S.mutans and E.faecalis in primary teeth. Materials and Method : Different concentrations of the Novel Obturating Material was prepared using Calcium hydroxide, Zinc oxide cement and Metronidazole and was tested for its antimicrobial efficacy against S.mutans and E.faecalis using Muller Hilton Agar (MHA). 1%,2%,3% of the obturating material were loaded at 25, 50, 100 microliters and were incubated for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. The zone of inhibition was measured in millimetres after 24 hours. The values were entered in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: No statistically significant difference with 1% and 3% 50-50 concentration of the Novel obturating material at 25,50 and 100 microiliters against S.mutans. However at 2% 50-50 concentration, 100 microliters shows significantly greater zone of inhibition against S.mutans. With regards to E.Faecalis , at 1% and 3 %, there was statistically greater zone of inhibition seen at 100 microliters. Conclusion : 2% 50-50 concentration of the Novel Obturating Material (2% metronidazole in equal parts of zinc oxide and calcium hydroxide) at 100 microlitres appears to be most effective against both S.mutans and E.faecalis. Hence, this novel root canal filling material can be a promising alternative to an ideal root canal filling material in primary teeth exhibiting long term antimicrobial action within the primary root canals, increasing the success rate.