Comparative analysis of microbial reduction using photodynamic therapy in bovine teeth infected with Enterococcus faecalis - an in vitro study

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the use of optic fiber and different pre-irradiation times (PIT) in phototherapy with LED for the root canal disinfection of bovine teeth infected in vitro with Enterococcus faecalis.

Methodology: The teeth were incubated for 60 days and divided into six groups according to disinfection protocol: Group 1 - distilled water; Group 2 - 1 minute PIT and no optic fiber; Group 3 - 1 minute PIT and optic fiber; Group 4 - 5 minute PIT and no optic fiber; Group 5 - 5 minute PIT and optic fiber; Group 6 - 2% sodium hypochlorite. Microbiological test (CFUs counting) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed treatments.

Results: SEM analysis of canal wall, in the three thirds, revealed group 6 had the best results, whereas microbiological results revealed that group 6 had the best results. No differences in disinfection of root canals were found when optic fiber was used for photodynamic therapy. Conclusion: Photodynamic therapy should not be used alone in the disinfection of root canals, but it may be valuable as a complement for disinfection performed using different cleaning methods.