Abstract
Aims: To compare and evaluate physicochemical (flow, solubility, pH, and setting time) and antimicrobial properties (against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans) of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) paste mixed with different concentrations (1%, 1.5%, 2%) of chlorhexidine gel (CHX). Materials and Methods: Ca(OH)2 paste was mixed with 3 different concentrations of CHX gel (1%, 1.5%, and 2%). physicochemical properties were evaluated according to ISO internationally. The flow of medicaments were evaluated by two plate method, solubility determined by using sample weight loss (%) after 24 hours, pH determine by pH meter, and setting time was measured with Gillmore needle. Antimicrobial properties against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis were evaluated using agar diffusion test. The data were analyzed statistically using one way ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: CHX significantly had no effect on flow, solubility, pH, and setting time of Ca(OH)2. 2% CHX mixed group had antimicrobial effect significantly different from that of 1% and 1.5% of CHX combined groups, but significantly there was no difference between 1% and 1.5% of CHX groups mixed with Ca(OH)2. Conclusions: CHX at (1%, 1.5%, 2%) and in combination with calcium hydroxide had satisfactory physicochemical and antimicrobial properties to be used as intracanal medicament. CHX at 2% produce better antimicrobial effect among other concentrations
