Degree of Contamination of Gutta-Percha Points by (MRSA/MSSA) Strains.

Unlabelled: Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) is considered one of the most harmful bacteria to human health. Dentistry, like all healthcare disciplines, places great emphasis on preventing scenarios that may result in cross-infection. Although various tested and already used materials are suitable for filling the root canal system, Gutta-Percha (GP) remains the preferred and widely accepted gold standard.

Bacterial Contamination of Gutta-Percha Points From Different Brands and the Efficacy of a Chairside Disinfection Protocol.

Objective: To evaluate the bacterial contamination of different brands of Gutta-Percha (GP) points routinely used in clinical practice and the efficacy of a chairside disinfection protocol with sodium hypochlorite.

Methods: GP points (n=240), in sizes A, B, C, D, K15, K20, K25, K30, K35, K40, F1, F2, F3 (Dentsply®, Proclinic®, ProTaper® and R&S®), were randomly sampled from commercial packages already in use. These were added directly to Fluid Thioglycolate Medium (one GP point per tube) and incubated at 37ºC for 21 days.