Antibiofilm activity, pH and solubility of endodontic sealers

Aim: To evaluate antibiofilm activity against Enterococcus faecalis, pH and solubility of AH Plus, Sealer 26, Epiphany SE, Sealapex, Activ GP, MTA Fillapex (MTA-F) and an experimental MTA-based Sealer (MTA-S). Methodology: Sealer samples were manipulated and stored for 2 or 7 days. Prepared sealers were evaluated by a modified direct contact test (DCT) for 5 h, 10 h or 15 h with biofilm previously induced on bovine dentine for 14 days. In the control group, the biofilm was not exposed to the sealers. The number of colony-forming units (CFU mL-1) in the remaining biofilm was determined. Sealer solubility was assessed by the percentage of mass loss after 15 h of immersion in distilled water. Sealer pH was measured at 5 h, 10 h and 15 h. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn or anova and Tamhane's T2 tests, at 5% significance. Results: At 2 days post-manipulation, the DCT showed that Sealapex and MTA-F were associated with a reduction in the number of bacteria in all 3 contact periods evaluated, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). At 7 days, Sealapex had the greatest antibiofilm action at 10 h and 15 h. Sealapex had the highest pH values 2 and 7 days post-manipulation. Regarding the solubility, at 2 days the highest values were observed for MTA-F, MTA-S, Sealapex and Activ GP (P < 0.05). At 7 days, MTA-S and MTA-F had greater solubility than the other materials (P < 0.05). AH Plus had the lowest solubility for both post-manipulation periods (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Sealapex and MTA-F were associated with a reduction in the number of bacteria in biofilms and had greater solubility. The high solubility and pH may be related to the antibacterial activity of these materials. © 2012 International Endodontic Journal.