In vitro evaluation of the effectiveness of calcium hydroxide and paramonochlorophenol on anaerobic bacteria from the root canal.

The effectiveness of calcium hydroxide and paramonochlorophenol (PMCP) was tested on anaerobic bacteria isolated from infected root canals, at time intervals 5, 15, 30 and 60 min. The experimental method used was similar to that proposed by the German Society of Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), with slight modifications. Testing revealed that calcium hydroxide was significantly more effective than PMCP against the total number of anaerobes. Additionally, it was proved to be quickly and highly effective against some microorganisms related to severe clinical symptoms, such as B. melaninogenicus and P. gingivalis, as well as against actinomyces species.