An in Vitro Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of 2% Chlorhexidine Gel, Propolis and Calcium Hydroxide Against Enterococcus faecalis in Human Root Dentin

Aim: To evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial efficacy of 2% Chlorhexidine gel, Propolis and Calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis in human root dentin. Methodology: One hundred and twenty human extracted anterior teeth were decoronated below CEJ and the apical part of root was removed to obtain 6mm of middle of the root. GG no 3 was used to standardize the internal diameter of root canal. Dentin blocks were infected with E faecalis for 21 d. They were assigned into four groups (n = 30).Group 1, Saline (negative control); Group 2, Propolis; Group 3, 2% CHX; Group 4, Calcium hydroxide, At the end of 1, 3, and 5 days an assessment of microbial cells was carried out at a depth of 400 μm and colony counts were calculated.The data were analysed statistically with one-way analysis of variance followed by Scheffe multiple comparison test (p < 0.05). Results: The number of colony-forming units was significantly lower in all experimental groups compared to the control group – Saline. 2% Chlorhexidinegluconate produced better antimicrobial efficacy (100%) on day 1, 3 and 5. Propolis (66.37%) had greater antimicrobial activity than Calcium hydroxide (50.89%) on day 1 but there was no significant difference in their antimicrobial activities on day 3 and day 5. Conclusion: 2% Chlorhexidine gel showed the maximum antimicrobial activity against E faecalis and Calcium hydroxide the least. Propolis can be used as an effective alternative intracanal medicament.