An analysis of the antimicrobial activity of ten root canal sealers--a duration based in vitro evaluation.

Sealers with prolonged antimicrobial activity are needed by the fact that microorganisms are commonly recovered from teeth with failed endodontic therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the duration of antimicrobial activity of ten root canal sealers (Apexit plus, Tubli Seal Xpress, Endoflas FS, Endomethasone, Endomethasone N, AH Plus, Epiphany, EndoRez, Ketac Endo, Roeko Seal) against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans by the agar diffusion test. The zones of inhibition were examined immediately and after 24, 48, 72 hours, 5 and 7 days. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal - Wallis test and Mann Whitney U test. Against Enterococcus faecalis, Endoflas FS showed the largest inhibitory zones immediately and 24 hours after manipulation, whereas, there was no significant difference between Endoflas FS and Endomethasone after 48 hours. Against Candida albicans, Endoflas FS performed better than the other sealers. All the sealers (except AH Plus, Epiphany and Roeko Seal) demonstrated higher antimicrobial action in the first 24 hours after manipulation. The antimicrobial action of all the sealers (except AH Plus and Roeko Seal which showed no antimicrobial activity in any studied time and Epiphany which ceased to show any antimicrobial action after 24 hours) decreased significantly with time.