Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Dentistry

Department

Oral Rehabilitation

College

College of Dental Medicine

First Advisor

Joseph E. Assad

Second Advisor

Timothy R. Rohde

Third Advisor

Walter G. Renne

Fourth Advisor

Michael G. Schmidt

Abstract

Introduction: The primary goals of endodontic therapy are the elimination of microorganisms in the root canal system, resolution of pulpal and periradicular disease, and retention of a functional tooth. Chemo-mechanical debridement is the foundation of · bacterial reduction in current endodontic protocol. Biomedical research has revealed that metallic nanoparticles have shown great promise in killing bacteria. This in vitro study aimed to investigate the potential effect of copper iodide (Cul) on Enterococcus faecalis when nanoparticles are impregnated in gutta-percha obturation materials. Materials and Methods: Cul nanoparticles were incorporated into gutta-percha via thermoplastic deformation and ultrasonic processing achieving final concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 mg disks. Intervention and control disks were inoculated with 25 μl of brain heart infusion broth (BHI) containing~ 1.0 x I 07 Enterococcus faecalis. Each disk was incubated statically at room temperature for 2 hours. The final concentration of bacteria on each disk was quantified through serial dilutions with subsequent plating onto BHI agar plates. Plates were incubated at 35°C for 24 hours, colonies enumerated and percent reduction in viable bacteria was assessed for statistical significance. Results: Guttapercha disks augmented with Cul were all found to reduce the concentration of bacteria over controls. At a concentration of 1 mg Cul, there was a 64.5% overall reduction in Enterococcus faecalis present. Further reductions were seen in a concentration dependent manner and plateaued at nearly 100% between 2 mg (98%) and 3 mg of Cul (>99%). Conclusion: Gutta-percha containing copper iodide nanoparticles show great potential in providing significant antibacterial effect which may enhance current endodontic protocol and outcomes.

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