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Antimicrobial effects of agitational irrigation on single- and multispecies biofilms in dentin canals

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Abstract

This study aimed to compare the antibacterial effects of different agitation devices on single- and multispecies biofilms in dentin canals using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Dentin blocks were prepared from human root dentin. Enterococcus faecalis and multiple species were introduced into the dentinal tubules via centrifugation and incubation. Two infected dentin samples were placed at 8 and 16 mm in a customized model. Samples were randomly divided into eight groups according to the agitation device used: syringe needle irrigation, EndoActivator, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and EDDY, at 2.5% or 6% NaOCl concentrations. The samples were stained and observed using CLSM. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent sample t test and analysis of variance. Linear models were used to assess the joint impact of the experimental groups on the proportion of biofilms killed. No significant differences were observed between the killing rates of the single- and multispecies biofilms. Both concentrations of NaOCl significantly increased the percentage of dead bacteria compared with the control. Biofilms in dentin tubules was more effectively killed when NaOCl was agitated; however, the difference between PUI and EDDY was not significant. Significantly more bacteria were killed in dentin blocks placed at 8 mm than at 16 mm (p < 0.05). In conclusion, EDDY was as effective as PUI when combined with NaOCl. However, the apical portion, which had a low antimicrobial efficiency, remains a concern. Mechanical instrumentation is incapable of completely eradicating bacteria, and additional research is required to improve the efficacy of root canal disinfection.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Canadian Academy of Endodontics and the authors deny any conflicts of interest related to this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endodontics, Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 2199 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada

    Hind Al-Zuhair, Zheng Su, He Liu, Zhejun Wang, Markus Haapasalo, Ahmed Hieawy & Ya Shen

  2. Department of Endodontics, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China

    Zheng Su

  3. Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China

    He Liu

  4. Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

    Yuan Gao

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  1. Hind Al-Zuhair
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  2. Zheng Su
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  3. He Liu
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  4. Zhejun Wang
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  5. Markus Haapasalo
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  6. Ahmed Hieawy
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  7. Yuan Gao
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  8. Ya Shen
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Correspondence to Yuan Gao or Ya Shen.

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Al-Zuhair, H., Su, Z., Liu, H. et al. Antimicrobial effects of agitational irrigation on single- and multispecies biofilms in dentin canals. Odontology 111, 49–56 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-022-00719-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-022-00719-3

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