ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF CALCIUM HYDROXIDE IN DIFFERENT VEHICLES

AIM: This study evaluated the antibacterial effect of calcium hydroxide in different vehicles in an in vitro model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Calcium hydroxide paste prepared with two conventionally used vehicles namely, camphorated monochlophenol, distilled water and also propylene glycol. The antibacterial activity of these paste were tested against five micro-organisms that can commonly occur in the infected root canals. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that a paste of calcium hydroxide made with propylene glycol exerts significant antibacterial action. Hence, it can be recommended for use as an intracanal medicament in preference to a paste prepared with a tissue toxic phenolic compound like camphorated mono chlorophenol.