Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of five endodontic materials for primary teeth on in vitro mixed-species biofilms.
Methods: Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) cement, Vitapex, Calen paste thickened with zinc oxide (ZO), pure calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) paste, and iodoform were evaluated. Sterile water was used as a control. Mixed-species biofilm was incubated in anaerobic conditions for 21 days. The biofilm specimens were placed in contact with the endodontic materials for periods of seven and 30 days. The biofilm was studied by using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The cell viability ratio was calculated. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey tests.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference between groups at both seven and 30 days (F equals 73,073, P=0.00). After 30 days, 69 percent, 51 percent, and 35 percent of the biofilm volume fluoresced red, indicating the proportion of bacteria killed by iodoform, Vitapex, and ZOE cement, respectively. Calen plus ZO and pure Ca(OH)2 paste were the least effective materials against the biofilms.
Conclusions: Pure iodoform paste and iodoform containing Vitapex were the most effective materials against the biofilms. Vitapex appears to be a suitable endodontic material for primary teeth.