Root canal dentinal tubule disinfection

Dentinal tubules of the root canal walls of human teeth were infected in vitro with a known bacterial isolate. The roots were exposed to either calcium hydroxide or iodine potassium-iodide for various periods of time and the viability of microorganisms was determined by incubation of entire root samples in a culture medium. The effects of the two agents on microbial viability were evaluated and compared. Iodine potassium-iodide disinfected dentin effectively. In contrast, bacteria remained viable in the dentin after relatively extended periods of calcium hydroxide treatment. Dentinal tubules of the root canal walls of human teeth were infected in vitro with a known bacterial isolate. The roots were exposed to either calcium hydroxide or iodine potassium-iodide for various periods of time and the viability of microorganisms was determined by incubation of entire root samples in a culture medium. The effects of the two agents on microbial viability were evaluated and compared. Iodine potassium-iodide disinfected dentin effectively. In contrast, bacteria remained viable in the dentin after relatively extended periods of calcium hydroxide treatment.