Effectiveness of oxidative potential water as an irrigant in pulpectomized primary teeth

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oxidative potential water (OPW) as an irrigating solution in reducing bacterial loading in necrotic pulpectomized primary teeth. Study design: Forty necrotic teeth were included, 20 irrigated with OPW (experimental group) and 20 with 1% NaOCl (control group); in both groups, 2 microbiological samples from within the canals were taken with a sterile paper point, the first before irrigation (immediately before opening the crown), and the second after instrumentation and final irrigation (before filling). All samples were evaluated by McFarland's scale. Results: After the samples were analyzed before and after irrigation in the control group, there was a significant decrease in bacterial load, as in the experimental group (P < 0.0001). When both groups were compared post irrigation, no significant difference was observed (P = 0.1519). Conclusion: The OPW was as effective as the NaOCl and is suggested as an alternative for irrigating after pulpectomy of necrotic primary teeth.