In vitro analysis of microbial contamination of paper points

Resumo

During endodontic treatment, the maintennance
of the aseptic chain is mandatory. Therefore, all substances,
instruments, and medications inserted into root canals must be free of
microorganisms. Objective: To evaluate in vitro and microbiologically
the contamination of absorbent paper points. Material and methods:
Absorbent paper points of different brands and under different
conditions were evaluated and subdivided into the following groups:
esterilized by the manufacturer (G1 to G5), not esterilized by the
manufacturer (G6), esterilized in autoclave by the operator (G7), and
intentionally contaminated (G8). The two last groups were the positive
and negative controls, respectively. All paper points were unpacked
and immersed into tubes with culture medium for 48 hours and
then analyzed according to culture broth turbidity. Results: Only the
samples esterilized by the manufacturers Dentsply® (G1), Endopoints®
(G2), and Meta® (G3), and the samples esterilized in autoclave by
the operator (G7) did not evidence microbial growth after 48 hours. G7) did not evidence microbial growth after 48 hours. ) did not evidence microbial growth after 48 hours.
Although sterilized by the manufacturer, both the brands Tanari®
(G4) and Roeko® (G5) showed bacterial contamination; Dentsply®
(G6) non-sterile paper points also showed bacterial contamination. non-sterile paper points also showed bacterial contamination.
Conclusion: Paper point esterilization before clinical use should be Paper point esterilization before clinical use should be
recommended regardless of the commercial brand.