Bacterial penetration and proliferation in root canal dentinal tubules after applying dentin adhesives in vitro

Endodontic treatment is aimed at eliminating infection and preventing bacte rial regrowth in the root canal and dentinal tubules, In the present study the ability of two dentin adhesives to prevent bacterial penetration and su bsequent proliferation in dentinal tubules was evaluated. Cylindrical root specimens prepared from freshly extracted bovine teeth were used in an in v itro model of dentinal tubule infection. After removal of the smear layer t he intracanal dentinal tubules of the specimens were acid-etched and treate d with either Gluma or EBS, Untreated specimens served as controls. Specime ns were infected with Enterococcus faecalis and incubated in Brain Heart In fusion for 21 days. Powder dentin samples obtained from within the canal lu mina, using ISO 025 to 033 burs, were examined for the presence of vital ba cteria by inoculating on agar plates and counting colony-forming units. A s ignificant difference was found between the experimental groups and the unt reated group. After application with Gluma specimens showed the least viabl e bacteria in dentinal tubules, Data suggested that dentin adhesives reduce d bacterial invasion into dentin and therefore have a potential role in end odontic treatment.