Effect of photodynamic therapy using diode laser and a novel plant extract irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans

Abstract

To evaluate the antibacterial effect of diode laser and photodynamic therapy using methylene blue dye when used alone or in combination with Moringa oleifera extract on root canal microbes. A total of 50 single root canals with single straight canals were prepared with ProTaper files, sterilized in an autoclave device, contaminated with root canal microbes (Enterococcus faecalis and Candidia albicans) and placed in incubator for 21 days. They were then randomly divided into 6 groups. Laser group: (10 root canals) were subjected to laser only. Moringa group: (10 root canals) were irrigated using plant extract only (Moringa). PDT group: (10 root canals) were irrigated using Moringa and Methylene blue then subjected to laser. Methylene blue and laser group: (10 root canals) were irrigated using methylene blue then subjected to laser. Negative control group: (10 root canals) weren't irrigated. After treatment microbial assessment (colony count) was done. Data was analyzed using ANOVAs test. Moringa/laser group and PDT group showed statistically least bacterial count for both E. faecalis and Candida albicans. Moringa only group showed statistically less bacterial count than control group. The combined use of PDT together with Moringa oleifera has the best antimicrobial effect.