Use of Electromagnetic Stimulation in Combination with Low Concentration Sodium Hypochlorite on an In Vitro Enterococcus Faecalis Biofilm on Root Canal Treated Teeth

Abstract

Introduction: A novel device developed by J. Morita can generate electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) into the root canal. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-biofilm effect of EMS combined with low concentrations of NaOCl against an established biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis in an in vitro human tooth model. Materials and Methods: Single rooted human teeth were standardized and an E. faecalis biofilm was established in the canal. The specimens were subject to six treatment groups: 1) 1.5% NaOCl; 2) 1.5% NaOCl and EMS; 3) 0.25% NaOCl; 4) 0.25% NaOCl and EMS; 5) saline and 6) saline and EMS. Biofilm was collected, plated, and the number of colony forming units (CFU)/mL was used to determine antibacterial activity. Results: The effect of treatment group on bacterial counts were made using one-way ANOVA followed by pair-wise comparisons. Although there was no significant difference between individual groups tested, there was statistically significant difference between the average difference between ‘treatments with EMS’ and ‘treatments without EMS.’ Conclusion: EMS can improve the antibacterial efficacy of NaOCl against an established biofilm of E. faecalis in an in vitro human tooth model