Comparison of the antibacterial efficiency of neem leaf extract and 2% sodium hypochlorite against E. faecalis, C. albicans and mixed culture - An in vitro study

* Post Graduate Student. ** Professor. *** Professor and HOD, Dept of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, YMT Dental College, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai ABSTRACT Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis are the most predominant microorganisms recovered from root canals of teeth where, previous treatment has failed. Thorough debridement of an infected root canal and complete elimination of microorganisms are objectives of an effective endodontic therapy. For thousands of years humans have sought to fortify their health and cure various illnesses with herbal remedies. While hundreds of substances have been tried and tested, few have withstood modern scientific scrutiny. Perhaps no other botanical herb better meets the true definition of a panacea or cure-all than neem, a tropical evergreen native to India. Although different agents have been suggested as root canal irrigants, sodium hypochlorite is the most popular. The present study was aimed to evaluate alternative inexpensive, simple and effective method for the sanitization of the root canal system. The antimicrobial efficacy of neem leaf extract as irrigant is evaluated and compared with the standard irrigant sodium hypochlorite.