Comparative evaluation of root canal disinfection efficacy of three different endodontic irrigants using EndoVac: An in vitro bioluminescence-assisted study

Abstract

Aim: To compare and evaluate root canal disinfection efficacy of three different endodontic irrigants 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and 2% alexidine (ALX) using negative pressure irrigation (NPI) system with EndoVac and syringe irrigation (SI) against Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: Seventy single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated, enlarged up to F4, autoclaved, and inoculated with E. faecalis for 21 days. The samples were divided into seven groups (n = 10) according to the protocol of disinfection: G1: 2.5% NaOCl + NPI, G2: 2.5% NaOCl + SI, G3: 2% CHX + NPI, G4: 2% CHX + SI, G5: 2% ALX + NPI, G6: 2% ALX + SI, and G7: no irrigation (positive control group). Adenosine triphosphate Assay was performed using luminometer for relative luminescence units (RLU) before and after the irrigation protocol. Statistical Analysis: One-way ANOVA test followed by Dunn's post hoc and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test analysis was performed (P < 0.05). Results and Conclusion: G1 (7.90 ± 6.03) and G2 (2.90 ± 1.79) exhibited the least mean RLU values with no significant difference among them. It was noted that G5 (32.30 ± 7.92) performed better than G6 (14.20 ± 4.05) significantly (P < 0.008). G3 (27.70 ± 7.85) and G4 (28.50 ± 6.62) irrespective of irrigation protocols did not show significant differences in disinfection efficacy. Irrespective of irrigation protocol used, all the 3 irrigants exhibited a decrease in RLU values. In our study, EndoVac irrigation system did not improve the disinfection efficacy of the irrgiants.