Antibacterial efficacy of calcium hydroxide, iodine potassium iodide, betadine, and betadine scrub with and without surfactant against E faecalis in vitro.

Objective: This study investigated the ability of endodontic irrigants and medicaments to eliminate Enterococcus faecalis from infected dentinal tubules, and whether their antimicrobial action was enhanced by surfactant.

Study Design: For the study, 5-mm dentin disks were sectioned from bovine incisor roots and infected with E faecalis. Lumens were instrumented, and 1 of 7 medicaments (10% Ca(OH) 2, Betadine, or IKI, each with or without surfactant, or Betadine Scrub) was used to flush and fill each lumen.