Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

Effect of Time on Disinfection of Gutta-Percha Cones with Sodium Hypochlorite: Experimental Research

Caroline Sophia Barbosa Drudi, Halana Boni Condessa Linhares de Castro, Fernando Érnica Garcia, Arnoldo José Cherubini Drudi, Jorenberg Roberto de Oliveira, Uderlei Doniseti Silveira Covizzi, Idiberto José Zotarelli Filho, Igor Maritto Beneti, Leandro Moreira Tempest, Fábio Pereira Linhares de Castro

The success of endodontic treatment is to eliminate as much bacteria as possible, reaching a point where the organism is able to remain free of the infectious process. Gutta-percha cones are one of the most biocompatible dental materials, not interfering in the repair process that occurs after obturation, are the most used means in obturation of the root canal and, therefore, responsible for preventing microorganisms from penetrating in the root canal after obturation initiating a new infectious process. The objective of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite in the concentration of 2.5% in the decontamination of gutta-percha cones contaminated with microorganisms after their manipulation. Contaminated cones were treated by immersion in 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution for 2, 3, 4 and 5 minutes and rinsed with sterile distilled water. The treated cones were inserted into Petri dishes with the culture medium nutrient agar to verify the existence and proliferation of microorganisms. The sodium hypochlorite solution after the 4 minute exposure period eliminated all microorganisms, making the cones safe for use.