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. 2024 Nov 26;16(11):e74473.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.74473. eCollection 2024 Nov.

A Comparative In-Vitro Study of the Effectiveness of Several Methods of Sterilizing Endodontic Files

Moayad AlBaghdadi  1 , Maysam Khaddam  1 , Asmahan Zainab  2   3
Affiliations

A Comparative In-Vitro Study of the Effectiveness of Several Methods of Sterilizing Endodontic Files

Moayad AlBaghdadi et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Successful endodontic treatment depends on several elements. The most important of which is the elimination of microorganisms within the root canal system. To achieve this, sterility must be maintained during all steps of the treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the sterility of the tools used in endodontic treatment, whether new or reused. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of several methods for sterilizing endodontic files by evaluating their ability to eliminate a specific type of bacteria. Methods Twenty stainless steel K files were divided into four groups. Files were contaminated with a strain of Enterococcus faecalis, and then groups were sterilized using different methods (group A: autoclave; group B: chemical solution; group C: no sterilization; group D: diode laser). After sterilization, files were placed in test tubes containing nutrient broth and then were incubated for 24 hours. After incubation, test tubes were monitored for turbidity, and a sample was taken from each tube to detect bacterial growth on plates containing Mueller-Hinton agar. After 24 hours of incubation, bacterial growth on plates and turbidity in test tubes were registered. Results Bacterial growth was registered on groups C and D plates, while no bacterial growth was registered on groups A and B plates. Turbidity was shown in groups C and D test tubes, while no turbidity was shown in groups A and B test tubes. Conclusions Within the limitation of this study, diode laser was not able to eliminate the bacteria, and thus cannot be used to sterilize endodontic files. The autoclave and the chemical solution were able to eliminate the specified bacteria.

Keywords: autoclave; diode laser; endodontic files sterilization; enterococcus faecalis; infection control guidelines.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve human participants or tissue. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Group A test tubes after 24 hours of incubation.
There was no turbidity in any tube.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Group B test tubes after 24 hours of incubation.
There was no turbidity in any tube.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Group C test tubes after 24 hours of incubation.
Turbidity was seen in all tubes.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Group D test tubes after 24 hours of incubation.
Turbidity was seen in four tubes.
Figure 5
Figure 5. Group A plates after 24 hours of incubation.
Figure 6
Figure 6. Group B plates after 24 hours of incubation.
Figure 7
Figure 7. Group C plates after 24 hours of incubation.
Figure 8
Figure 8. Group D plates after 24 hours of incubation.
Figure 9
Figure 9. Group A test tubes after 48 hours of incubation.
Figure 10
Figure 10. Group B test tubes after 48 hours of incubation.
Figure 11
Figure 11. Group C test tubes after 48 hours of incubation.
Figure 12
Figure 12. Group D test tubes after 48 hours of incubation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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