Purpose: The objective of this study was to perform an in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial properties of 6 endodontic sealers (Endomethasone C, Argoseal, Bioseal Normal, Acroseal, AH Plus, Sicura Seal).
Methods: The agar diffusion test (well and paper disc methods) with Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans was used. For the well method, Petri dishes were inoculated with bacterial suspensions. Each well was completely filled with freshly mixed endodontic sealer. For the paper disc method, sterile paper discs were immersed in freshly mixed sealers and put on agar plates. Diameters of halos formed around the sealers were measured after 24 h and 48 h.
Statistical analysis: The effects of well method and of paper disc method were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA.
Results: Endomethasone C, Argoseal and Bioseal showed the largest inhibition halos for all the tested microorganisms, while Sicura Seal and AH Plus showed low antibacterial effects. Moreover, the comparison of well method and paper disc methods showed significant statistical differences (P<0,01) for all sealers and indicated a dose-dependent antimicrobial effect.