In Vitro Antibacterial Efficacy of Aloe vera Solution and Chlorhexidine as Root Canal Irrigants in Primary Teeth Contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis

Abstract

The treatment of pulp necrosis, particularly in primary teeth, is very complex making the access to the root canal difficult and is based on the elimination of the root canal infection through a good mechanical preparation and profound irrigation. Microorganisms found in the root canals of primary teeth are similar to those in the root canals of permanent teeth. Bacterial species such as E. faecalis has been reported in high prevalence in primary endodontic infections affecting children. The purpose of the current study was to compare the antimicrobial effect of 80 % Aloe vera solution with 2% chlorhexidine when used as root canal irrigants in extracted primary anterior teeth contaminated with E. faecalis bacteria. Forty extracted deciduous teeth were decoronated and only the roots were used. Roots were randomly divided into two experimental groups, one positive control group and one negative control group as follows: Group I: consisted of 15 roots that were irrigated with 2% Chlorhexidine digluconate solution after being contaminated with E. faecalis , Group II: consisted of 15 roots that were contaminated with E. faecalis and irrigated with 80 % Aloe vera solution, Group III (positive control): consisted of 5 roots