Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide along with proton pump inhibitor against Enterococcus faecalis

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the efficacy of pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, alone, and in combination with calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis, a star survivor in endodontic pathology. Materials and Methods: Teeth were inoculated with E. faecalis strains MTCC 439 and were divided into groups. Group 1 used saline as the negative control, Group 2 used calcium hydroxide, Group 3 used pantoprazole alone, and Group 4 used calcium hydroxide along with pantoprazole. They were incubated and dentine harvesting was performed. Colonies were counted using a digital counting machine. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: Group 4 was found to be the most effective against the pathogen. Discussion: This study indicates that the association of calcium hydroxide with the proton pump inhibitor pantoprazole can be successfully used as an intracanal medicament against E. faecalis.