Abstract
CONTEXT: Enterococcus faecalis is the microorganism most frequently associated with failure of endodontic treatment. Chitosan is an irrigant in dentistry has the properties of biocompatibility, biodegradability, bioadhesion, and not toxic to human cells. Several studies have suggested the use of ultrasonics to enhancing the action of irrigants. AIMS: The aim of the study was to investigate the bacterial growth and surface roughness of the root canal surface after irrigation and agitation with passive ultrasonic irrigant. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Experimental research with randomized block design obtained a sample size for each group of 9 samples with a total number of 27 teeth divided into three treatment groups. Statistical analysis used was one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The irrigation material for nano-chitosan high molecular 0.2% with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) activation was shown to cause lysis on surface of bacterial cell walls. There was no significant difference between the roughness values in all treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: The irrigation of root canal treatment with 0.2% high molecular nano-chitosan with the addition of PUI activation had significant antibacterial activities against E. faecalis.