Evaluation of Antimicrobial Action, Cytotoxicity, pH, Flow, and Radiopacity of a New Filling Paste for Primary Teeth

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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial action, cytotoxicity, pH, flow, and radiopacity of an experimental paste for primary teeth. Material and Methods: Root canals of 50 extracted human teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into five groups (n=10): G1 - distilled water (negative control); G2 - zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) paste; G3 - calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) paste; G4 - iodoform paste; and G5 - experimental paste containing chlorhexidine, (Ca(OH)2), neomycin sulfate, and barium sulfate. Colony-forming unit counts assessed antimicrobial activity. Cytotoxicity was analyzed in fibroblast cells through cell viability assays. pH and flow were measured with colorimetric strips and dispersion diameter, respectively. Radiopacity was compared to an aluminum scale using digital radiography. Statistical analysis was performed at α=5%. Results: High antimicrobial activity and radiopacity were observed in groups 2 (ZOE paste), 3 (Ca(OH)2 paste), 4 (iodoform paste), and 5 (experimental paste) (p<0.05). The highest cell viability was found in groups 1 (distilled water), 4 (iodoform paste), and 5 (experimental paste) (p<0.05). Groups 3 and 5 showed the highest pH values, while flow was highest for groups 3 (Ca(OH)2 paste), 4 (iodoform paste), and 5 (experimental paste) (p<0.05). Conclusion: The experimental paste demonstrated a satisfactory antimicrobial effect, cytocompatibility, an alkaline pH, adequate flow, and radiopacity, comparable to conventional pastes, and has potential for clinical application.

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