Mineral trioxide aggregate and antibiotic efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis

INTRODUCTION: The persistence of infectious processes that settle on the pulp tissue of deciduous teeth is mostly due to the substantial virulence of the Enterococcus faecalis bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the efficacy of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) combined
with an antibiotic paste in inhibiting the growth of Enterococcus faecalis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental in vitro study was designed for this purpose. The sample consisted of 48 Petri dishes with agar for E. faecalis cultivation. Three study groups were established, with MTA to antibiotic paste ratios of 9:1, 8:2, and 7:3, respectively. Bacterial growth inhibition was determined using the Kirby- Bauer method after 24 hours of incubation, inhibition zones were measured in millimetres, and sensitivity was assessed using the Duraffourd scale. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 26.

RESULTS: The inhibition zone at 24 hours was 19.69 (±1.20) in Group 1 (GE1), 24.38 (±1.96) in Group 2 (GE2), and 28.50 (±1.32) in Group 3 (GE3).

CONCLUSIONS: A concentration of MTA with an antibiotic paste at a ratio of 7:3 proved to be the most effective in inhibiting the growth of E. faecalis, thereby ensuring greater control of infection in deciduous dentition.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This paper is important to pediatric dentists:
• offers a new therapeutic alternative for pulp necrosis in primary teeth;
• opens a research avenue focused on the use of drug combinations at different
concentrations;
• promotes low-cost treatments for a less-favored pediatric population.

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