Propolis and Commonly Used Intracanal Irrigants.: Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential

The objective of endodontic therapy is not just simple cleaning and filling of root canals, but successful treatment requires the establishment of a sufficient level of disinfection. Aim: To evaluate, in vivo, the antimicrobial and inflammatory/irritant potential of Propolis against mixed endodontic aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Method: An in vivo randomized controlled trial was conducted in a group of 60 children aged 6-12 years presenting with an acute apical abscess of the maxillary primary molars. Fifteen children each were divided randomly into four groups where irrigation during pulpectomy was performed using either 2% chlorhexidine, 4% calcium hydroxide or 4% Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) extract of propolis with normal saline as the control irrigant. Microbiological samples were taken from the disto-buccal root canal before initiating the pulpectomy as well as after 3 days later and for mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures. Results: In all the four groups, a significant decrease in mean aerobic colony forming units (cfu) count was seen. Maximum change in anaerobic cfu count was seen with 2% chlorhexidine. Conclusions: Chlorhexidine proved to be superior antimicrobial agent against both endodontic aerobes and anaerobes. Calcium hydroxide was found to be least effective.

Propolis, intracanal irrigants, antimicrobial potential, endodontics, children.

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