Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to compare and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of 0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride, superoxidized solution, ozonated water, 0.1% silver nanoparticles (AgNp) solution, and Q mix™ 2 in 1 in root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and fifty permanent mandibular premolars were inoculated with E. faecalis (0.5 McFarland standards) were incubated at 37°C for 7 days after which preoperative microbial sampling was done and the number of viable E. faecalis cells was obtained as CFU/mL.The specimens were irrigated with 0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride (group 1), Q mix™ 2 in 1 (group 2), super oxidized solution (group 3), 0.1% AgNp solution (group 4), ozonated water (group 5), and normal saline (group 6) during mechanical instrumentation. The final irrigation was followed by microbial sampling and the number of viable E. faecalis cells was obtained as CFU/mL. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed by paired t-test and ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Paired t-test showed a statistically significant difference between mean CFU before and after irrigation in groups I, II, III, IV, and V respectively (P < 0.05). Group VI showed no statistically significant difference between CFU before and after irrigation (P = 0.131). CONCLUSION: The mean bacterial reduction was statistically significant for all the study groups, proving their good antibacterial activity against E. faecalis in root canals whereas 0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride and ozonated water demonstrated relatively higher antimicrobial potential.