In vitro attachment of Streptococcus sanguis to the dentin of the root canal.

The adhesion of a strain of Streptococcus sanguis (NCTC 7863) to the root canal dentin of bovine incisors was evaluated. Samples (104) were prepared and smear layer was created on the root canal surface with a tungsten carbide bur. The samples were divided into four groups, one of them serving as a control sample and the other three each receiving a different treatment: 6% citric acid for 2 min (group 3), 6% citric acid for 2 min + 6.25% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min (group 2), 6% citric acid for 10 min (group 4). After sterilization, they were incubated, and adhesion was assessed by direct examination using a scanning electron microscope. The use of irrigation solutions significantly reduced the adhesion in the latter two groups only, with a reduction of 15% (group 2) and 18.7% (group 4) in the number of bacteria.