Antimicrobial efficacy of blueM gel and calcium hydroxide against F. nucleatum and E. faecalis biofilm: an ex-vivo study.

Abstract

Endodontic treatment failure can result from persistent bacteria, inadequate cleaning and sealing of root canals, and missed canals. The resilience of bacteria such as F. nucleatum and E. faecalis within the root canal system is a significant cause of failed endodontic treatment. Calcium hydroxide (CaOH), a widely utilized intracanal medicament, has demonstrated antimicrobial properties. However, its ability to consistently achieve culture-negative root canals after chemo-mechanical procedures remains inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of CaOH and BlueM gel against F. nucleatum and E. faecalis biofilms using dentin discs. Sterilized dentin discs were prepared from extracted human teeth. F. nucleatum and E. faecalis were grown on these discs and then treated with either CaOH or BlueM gel. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed by quantifying colony-forming unit counts. BlueM gel demonstrated significantly greater antimicrobial efficacy than CaOH against both F. nucleatum and E. faecalis biofilms. Both agents exhibited substantial antimicrobial activity against the biofilms. BlueM gel showed superior antimicrobial effectiveness against endodontic pathogens such as F. nucleatum and E. faecalis compared to CaOH.