The presence of smear layer affects the antimicrobial action of root canal sealers

Aim To assess the chemical and microstructural characteristics of dentine after use two irrigation protocols correlate this with antimicrobial properties hydraulic calcium silicate cement (HCSC) sealers changes to structure/chemistry sealer placement. Methodology Two – Protocol A using 2% NaOCl used 5 mL/5 min B (5 min) followed by 17% EDTA mL/3 were prepare dentine. The following assessed scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) (n = 5) on obtained from mid-root coronal parts extracted human teeth. Four (AH Plus, BioRoot, MTA Fillapex, TotalFill) characterized SEM/EDS 3). ability eradicate intratubular Enterococcus faecalis biofilms was live/dead dye confocal laser measure percentage living cells. effect combined root filling SEM EDS analysis 5). Statistical undertaken one-way anova a number post hoc tests detect intergroup differences. F-test for comparison variances in microbiology testing. Results alone left smear layer intact, traces chlorine remaining BioRoot restored levels which had been depleted EDTA. exhibited against bacteria even presence (Protocol A). Smear removal improved bactericidal all Ca2+ leaching. chelating agent important penetration AH Plus but not other sealers. Conclusion necessary into dentinal tubules. more effective reducing bacterial load tubules than materials tested did affect its activity.