Comparison of the Effect of XP-Endo Finisher File and EndoActivator in Debridement of the Root Canals Infected with Candida albicans: An In-vitro Study

Success in root canal treatment requires effective debridement of the root canal. Mechanical and chemical debridement eliminates most pathogenic bacteria; nonetheless, canal debridement sometimes becomes difficult due to complexities, such as accessory canals and limited access of disinfectants to the canal. Numerous studies have pointed to the presence of fungi in endodontic infections and their role in the etiology of peri-radicular lesions. The present study aimed to compare the effect of EndoActivator and XP-Endo finisher file with the conventional method in debridement of the root canals infected with Candida albicans.
For the purpose of the study, 56 single root single canal anterior teeth were selected. To induce infection, Candida albicans was cultured in Sabour's dextrose agar medium and incubated for 24 h. After incubation period, the teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups consisting of 14 teeth. XP-Endo Finisher, Endo activator, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution, and sterile normal saline solution were used for canal debridement in the first, second, third, and fourth groups, respectively. Finally, upon the completion of incubation, the number of colonies grown on the medium was counted and reported in CFU/ ml unit.
The mean number of Candida albicans colonies in root canal was reported as zero after the application of XP-Endo Finisher, Endo activator, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. On the other hand, the mean number of colonies after normal saline application was 171723.08 CFU/ml ranging from at least 102 to maximum 106 colonies in the samples. As evidenced by the obtained results, the frequency of Candida albicans colonies in root canal after the application of XP-Endo Finisher, Endo activator, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was significantly less than normal saline; accordingl, all the three materials are suitable for effective debridement of the root canal.
The application of XP ‐Endo Finisher, Endo activator, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite is recommended for the debridement of root canal with the purpose of the elimination of Candida albicans.