Scanning electron microscope evaluation of surface alterations and residual antibacterial effects in disinfected gutta percha and resilon cones

The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations on the surface of gutta percha and resilon cones when exposed to 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX) and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and to evaluate their possible antimicrobial effects against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). A total of 270 medium tapered cones (135 gutta percha and 135 resilon) were selected and divided into 3 groups according to the substance (NaOCl, CHX and saline). The cones were immersed in each substance for 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes, rinsed in saline solution and dried. They were placed onto inoculated agar plates and incubated under specific conditions. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation was done on additional disinfected cones. Based on the results it was concluded that resilon cones immersed in CHX for 10, 20, and 30 minutes demonstrate residual antimicrobial action and that the substances did not cause alterations to cones surface.