Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Three Different Intracanal Medicaments against Candida albicans: An In Vitro Study

A bstrAct Aim and objective: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of three different intracanal medicaments against Candida albicans by measuring the colony-forming units (CFU) at different time periods. Materials and methods: Ninety premolar teeth extracted from mandible for orthodontic reasons were collected. The teeth in the experimental groups were decoronated to a standardized length. Canal patency was determined. Cleaning and shaping of the canals were done. Fungal colonies were suspended in 5 mL of Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB) after being isolated for a day. Ten milliliters of fungal suspension of 0.5 McFarland solution was moved into each canal of the laminar flow hood under sterile conditions. Then, the teeth were divided into three investigational groups ( n = 30) at random as well as subjected to the following intracanal medicaments: G1–Ca(OH) 2 , G2–Leder mix paste, G3– silver nanoparticles (SNP). The teeth were then put in sterile well plates, and they were secured with multiple layers of paraffin. After loading the various intracanal medicaments, all groups were redivided haphazardly into three uniform subgroups ( n = 10) and then incubated for different time periods at 37°C temperature and 100% humidity. On SDB agar, a 0.1 mL aliquot of the microbial suspension was plated, respectively. After 24 hours, 7, and 14 days of the incubation period, the number of CFU was assessed with a light microscope (400×) and recorded for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Results: There was a notable dissimilarity between the groups 1, 2, and 3 ( p < 0.01). Group 3 was associated with a decreased amount of CFU at all three different meantime. Conclusion: SNP alone was significantly better in its antimicrobial efficacy against C. albicans over the period of 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days.