Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine in vitro the bactericidal potential of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) alone, potassium iodide (PI) alone, and the two in combination (SDF + PI) against three bacterial species commonly found in root canal samples (Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces naeslundii and Parvimonas micra). METHODS: The potential bactericidal rates for SDF, PI and SDF + PI against E. faecalis, A. naeslundii and P. micra were calculated as reduction of bacteria colony forming units. RESULTS: The bactericidal potential of SDF was at 99.97-100% against E. faecalis and 100% against A. naeslundii and P. micra. SDF + PI showed a 100% bactericidal effect against P. micra, 99.89-99.98% against E. faecalis and 99.98-100% against A. naeslundii. The bactericidal effect of PI was 99.51-99.98% against E. faecalis, 99.27-99.95% against A. naeslundii and 99.93-100% against P. micra. The differences between controls and bacteria exposed to the antibacterial agents were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SDF had an effective bactericidal effect against the examined bacteria. However, the limitations of this in vitro study do not allow a recommendation of the employment of these solutions as root canal irrigants. Additional investigations are necessary to assess their endodontic clinical applicability.