A STUDY TO ASSES THE ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTY OF FIVE ENDODONTIC SEALERS

Aim: The aim of the study is to analyze the antibacterial property of various endodontic sealers against streptococcus mutans and enterococcus faecilis. Objective: Pulpal tissues are frequently infected by bacteria and are considered to be the commonest etiological agents of pulpal necrosis and periapical lesions which needs endodontic treatment for its cure. Microorganisms play an important role in endodontic failures which is commonly due to incomplete elimination of bacteria from the canal or due to recolonization of bacteria by leakages. Thus it becomes important for the sealers to have antibacterial property. To make long-lasting restorations, the materials should be made antibacterial. The objective of this study is check for the antibacterial property of the restorative sealers. Methodology: The antimicrobial activity of five endodontic sealers (zinc oxide eugenol, amalgam, light cure composite, calcium hydroxide and glass ionomer) was assessed against Enterococcus faecilis and Streptococcus mutans using the agar diffusion method. Reason: Microorganisms being the commonest reason for endodontic treatment failure, endodontic sealers should posses an antimicrobial property.