Antimicrobial effectiveness in endodontic therapy using formocresol and two new alcoformal agents. Mechanical preparation during the second visit.

Antimicrobial effectiveness of alcoformol two agents (AF 8.85 and AF 3.5) was studied in a clinical trial by means of bacteriologic examination of the root canals. After the initial culture was taken, one of the disinfectants was sealed in the pulp chamber for one week. At the second visit, the root canal was reamed and a second culture was taken. It was found that AF containing 3.5 percent formaldehyde is a satisfactory disinfectant for root canals of vital teeth. A concentration of 8.75 percent was needed for disinfection of teeth with necrotic pulps.