Comparison of 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite, MTAD, and 2% Chlorhexidine in the Rapid Disinfection of Polycaprolactone-Based Root Canal Filling Material

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effectiveness of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, MTAD, and 2% chlorhexidine in the rapid disinfection of Resilon pellets. Resilon pellets were randomly selected, contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis , and disinfected with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, MTAD, or 2% chlorhexidine. Positive and negative controls were used. All samples were air dried, washed in sterile water, placed in centrifuge tubes containing BHI broth, and incubated at 37°C for up to 7 days. Broths were visually checked for turbidity and scored for growth. Samples from each experimental and control group were randomly chosen, plated, incubated at 37°C, and checked visually for growth. If growth occurred, a gram stain was performed to identify bacterial species. Results indicate that 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, MTAD, and 2% chlorhexidine were all effective in the rapid disinfection of Resilon and gutta-percha pellets, and a 1-minute immersion was sufficient to disinfect.