Efficacy of a combined nanoparticulate/calcium hydroxide root canal medication on elimination of Enterococcus faecalis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Ca(OH)(2) with or without a silver nanoparticle suspension to eliminate Enterococcus faecalis from root canals. A total of 66 extracted human single-rooted teeth contaminated with E.faecalis were treated with 10% Ca(OH)(2) alone, Ca(OH)(2) with nanosilver or sterile water (as a negative control). Samples were obtained with paper points and Gates-Glidden burs at 1 and 7days after root canal preparation and the number of colony-forming units (CFU) was determined. The number of CFUs observed after dressing with Ca(OH)(2)+nanosilver was significantly less than the number observed with Ca(OH)(2) alone after 1 or 7days (P<0.001, P<0.001). No differences in antimicrobial properties were observed between the two time points in the Ca(OH)(2)+nanosilver group (P>0.05). Higher antimicrobial efficacy was observed in the Ca(OH)(2) group after 7days than 1day (P<0.001). This study highlighted the potential advantage of using a mixture of Ca(OH)(2) and nanosilver for intracanal medicament.