Aim: To evaluate the in vivo antibacterial efficacy of 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX), 2% chitosan (CS) gel and their combination as an intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis during endodontic retreatment procedure, with the use of qPCR.
Method: A total of 45 single rooted permanent teeth were selected from 28 systemically healthy patients (mean age of 43 years). After complete disinfection and access opening as well as gutta-percha (GP) removal, the first microbiological pretreatment sample (S1) was collected. After completion of instrumentation, a post-instrumentation sample (S2) was taken and the teeth were randomly divided into three experimental groups: 2% CHX gel; 2% CS gel; 2% CHX with CS; Fuji IX glass ionomer cement was used to seal the access; after 7 days, the post medication sample (S3) was collected and E. faecalis was quantified using qPCR.
Results: Maximum reduction in bacterial mean CFU (×106) counts was observed between S1 and S2; S2 and S3; S1 and S3 in 2% CHX with chitosan group compared to other groups. Percentage reduction in CFU (×106) counts at different time intervals (S1-S2; S2-S3; S1-S3) was maximum for the 2% CHX with the chitosan group. Comparison of the mean CFU (×106) count within the 2% CHX gel group and the 2% CHX with chitosan group at different time intervals (S1,S2,S3) was found to be highly significant (P = 0.001); whereas in group II, it was significant (P = 0.002).
Conclusion: 2% CHX with chitosan group showed the highest microbial reduction against E. faecalis during retreatment of failed endodontic cases.