Microbiological Analysis of Gutta-Percha Cones Available in the Brazilian Market

Objective: To analyze the contamination on the surface of gutta-percha cones from different manufacturers available in the national market and to identify the isolated microorganisms. Method: Thirty-four accessory gutta-percha cones obtained from sealed or violated packages were analyzed. Thirty cones were randomly divided in 6 experimental groups with 5 cones each, according to their manufacturer and origin (sealed or violated packages). Four cones obtained from sealed or violated packages were used as positive (contaminated with fresh saliva) and negative (immersed in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution for 1 minute) controls. The microbiological analyses were performed by submerging the cones in tubes containing Brain-Heart Infusion (BHI) broth, and then seeding an aliquot of this broth in agar blood. The analysis was based on the turbidity of the medium or growth of colonies in the solid medium. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests at 5% significance level. Results: There was bacterial growth in 2 samples. Staphylococcus and Bacillus genera were found. The results indicate that 6.67% of the gutta-percha cones from sealed or violated packages were contaminated without statistically significant difference between the experimental groups. Conclusion: There is a risk of contamination of gutta-percha cones. Therefore, these materials must be disinfected to ensure the safety necessary for the success of endodontic treatment.