EFFECT OF VARIOUS ROOT CANAL DISINFECTION PROCEDURES ON EXPRESSION OF ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS VIRULENCE FACTOR – A PCR STUDY

Abstract Objective: To compare and evaluate antimicrobial effects of 2% Chlorhexidine (CHX) versus 0.1% Octenidine Dihydrochloride (OCT) as root canal irrigant with and without Laser activation against Enterococcus faecalis virulence factor - E. faecalis endocarditis antigen (efaA) using real time polymerase chain reaction. Aim: To evaluate the effect of various root canal disinfection procedures on expression of Enterococcus faecalis virulence factor (efaA) using real time PCR. Methods and Materials: Forty single rooted premolars were taken and decoronated to standardize the root length as 14 mm. The canals were instrumented up to F3 Protaper Gold and teeth were autoclaved at 121°C for 20 minutes at 15 psi. 0.1 mL of the bacterial suspension was injected into the root canals, and the samples were incubated at 37°C and 100% humidity for 21 days. The samples were randomly divided into four groups: Group I – 2% Chlorhexidine, Group - II 2% Chlorhexidine with Laser, Group III – 0.1% Octenidine dihydrochloride, Group IV- 0.1% Octenidine dihydrochloride with Laser. After the irrigation protocol, Paper points were used to transfer the contents of the canal. PCR was performed to detect the presence of Enterococcus faecalis virulence factor (efaA). Results:Octenidine (0.1%) was more effective than 2% Chlorhexidine against E. faecalis. Group II and IV showed significant difference compared to Group I and III with statistically significant difference (p˂0.001). Laser activation enhanced the antimicrobial action of the irrigants. Conclusion: Octenidine (0.1%) was more effective than 2% Chlorhexidine against E. faecalis. Laser activated irrigation proved to enhance the antimicrobial action of the irrigants