Antibacterial efficacy of calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine gluconate irrigants at 37 degrees C and 46 degrees C.

This study investigated the ability of two endodontic irrigants to eliminate Enterococcus faecalis from dentinal tubules, and whether their antimicrobial action was enhanced by heat. The lumens of disks prepared from extracted bovine roots were infected with E. faecalis and incubated for 72 h. Specimens were then filled with saline, 10% calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), or 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) at 24 degrees C or 46 degrees C and incubated at 37 degrees C or 46 degrees C. The samples were then pulverized and plated to quantify residual bacteria. No statistical difference (p > 0.05) in bacterial growth was seen between the two saline groups, or between the two medication groups at a given temperature. CHX and Ca(OH)2 at either temperature produced significantly less growth than either saline group, and CHX or Ca(OH)2 at 46 degrees C produced significantly less growth than either group at 37 degrees C. Heat enhanced the antibacterial action of both experimental irrigants against E. faecalis, but heating saline produced no increase in bactericidal effect.