Background: Pulpal infections are caused by varied number of organisms and are located in various sites of root canal system. Thus, the success of root canal treatment depends on complete eradication of microbiota.
Materials and methods: Thirty-two patients were selected and divided into four groups (photoactivated disinfection [PAD], diode laser, 5% sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl], and normal saline). The treatment was done according to groups, following manufacturer's instructions. The efficacies of groups were evaluated using microbial culturing technique. Three samples were taken for each group and were incubated separately for aerobic and anaerobic culture. Microbial counting was done for each sample in the form of colony-forming units.
Results: It was evaluated using two-way analysis of variance and Friedman test. All the groups showed reduction in number of bacteria. However, for group A P < 0.0001 when analyzed for aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, whereas, with Group B and C, P < 0.0001 for aerobic microorganisms.
Conclusion: PAD, diode laser, and 5% NaOCl showed antibacterial action against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
Keywords: Antibacterial efficacy; diode laser; photoactivated disinfection; root canal disinfection; sodium hypochlorite.