ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF IRRIGANT COMBINATIONS WITHIN DENTINAL TUBULES

The aim of this study was to investigate sodium hypochlorite (with and without EDTA), chlorhexidine, and hydrogen peroxide in varying concen trations when used in sequence or in combination as endodontic irrigan ts, Sterile saline served as the control, Six standardized bovine inci sor root specimens, which had been infected with Enterococcus faecalis (CG 110), were exposed to each solution, Following exposure to the te st agents dentine samples were taken from within the lumina using ISO 023 to 035 burs. The dentine powder samples were incubated and the qua ntity of bacteria present assessed using spectrophotometry. All irriga nt effective than saline in killing bacteria, Chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite were similarly effective. At specific concentrations a s ynergistic effect was noted when mixtures of chlorhexidine and hydroge n peroxide were under test.