ANTIMICROBIAL AND TOXIC EFFECTS OF ESTABLISHED AND POTENTIAL ROOT-CANAL IRRIGANTS

Three dilutions of the commonly used irrigant sodium hypochlorite (0.5 %, 2.5%, and 5.25%) and the potential irrigants Peridex, chlorhexidine gluconate (0.12%), and Therasol were tested. Alcohol and saline serve d as controls also. The in vitro portion of this study used four diffe rent microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans, Peptostreptococcus micros, Prevotella intermedius, and Porphyromonas gingivalis) to determine ant imicrobial effect. Presterilized 7-mm diameter Whatman paper disks soa ked with the test solution were prepared, and disks were placed onto t he previously seeded agar petri dishes. Each dish was incubated aerobi cally or anaerobically according to the microorganisms used. An in viv o animal model (guinea pig) was used to examine subcutaneous local tis sue reactions using the same materials; 0.1 ml of each test solution w as injected subcutaneously into predetermined locations on the animal dorsum. Test site histological examination was done 2 h, 2 days, and 2 wk after the injections. The results of this comparative study indica te Peridex (chlorhexidine gluconate) and Therasol may have good potent ial for endodontic usage.