An in vitro Study of the Antimicrobial Activity of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and of Calcium Hydroxide on Certain Species of Obligate or Facultative Anaerobic Bacteria A comparative evaluation on young permanent teeth

摘要

The success of treatment in case of lost pulp vitality depends on the antimicrobial ability of specific endodontic materials. We compared the antimicrobial effect of mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide on anaerobic bacteria isolated from infected root canals, as well as on two certain pure species of facultative anaerobic bacteria. After the incubation period, in a liquid culture medium under strictly anaerobic conditions the bacterial suspensions were prepared. Both materials were used in the form of diluted powder in the bacterial suspension. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated on the basis of the minimum inhibitory concentration, defined as the lowest concentration of an active substance that inhibits bacterial growth. The results showed that both materials have almost similar antimicrobial activity due to their chemical composition but calcium hydroxide has retained supremacy with main indication in apexification process.