The effect of chlorhexidine as an endodontic disinfectant

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish whether addition of a 2% chlorhexidine rinse to a conventional treatment protocol enhances the rate of the successful disinfection of the root canal system in vivo.

Study design: Twenty-four teeth with infected necrotic pulps and resorbing apical periodontitis were treated with a conventional technique in which 1% NaOCl as irrigant was used. Half of the cases received an additional rinse with 2% chlorhexidine. Prereduced thioglycollate medium was used to take cultures that were incubated for 4 weeks.

Results: Cultivable bacteria were retrieved at the conclusion of the first visit in 1 out of 12 chlorhexidine cases whereas in the control group 7 out of 12 cases showed growth. This difference was significant (P < .05).

Conclusion: The findings are clinically important.