Comparison of 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite and 2% Chlorhexidine Gel on Oral Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide Reduction from Primarily Infected Root Canals

IntroductionThis clinical study was conducted to compare the efficacy of chemomechanical preparation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on eliminating oral bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis.MethodsFifty-four root canals were selected. Samples were collect before (s1) and after chemomechanical preparation (s2). Teeth were randomly divided into groups: GI, 2.5% NaOCl (n = 27) and GII, CHX gel (n = 27). Limulus amebocyte lysate assay was used to quantify endotoxins.ResultsEndotoxin was present in 100% of the samples investigated, with a median value of 272 endotoxin units (EU)/mL (GI) and of 152.46 EU/mL (GII). As a result of chemomechanical preparation, LPS content was reduced to a median value of 86 EU/mL (GI) and 85 EU/mL (GII). Higher percentage value of endotoxin reduction was found in GI (P < .05).ConclusionsThe 2.5% NaOCl and 2% CHX gel were not effective in eliminating endotoxin from the primarily infected root canals.