Determinación del grado de contaminación de conos de gutapercha, obtenidos de cajas selladas y cajas expuestas al ambiente clínico

Abstract

Introduction: Gutta-percha cones from factory-sealed boxes and boxes opened and exposed to the clinical environment were evaluated.

Methodology: ISO 25.06 gutta-percha cones (GC) from four commercial brands were analyzed: “A” (Endogal, Korea), “B” (Fanta, China), “C” (Coltene, Germany), and “D” (VDW, Germany). Two boxes per brand were used, for a total of eight boxes. Two groups were established: “1” consisting of four sealed boxes (SB) and “2” consisting of four boxes opened and exposed to the clinical environment (CEB). From each box, 10 GC were selected: six for the experimental subgroup and four as controls. The GC were placed in microtubes containing thioglycolate and incubated under aerobic conditions at 37 °C for 24 hours. All procedures were performed in triplicate to ensure reproducibility. Subsequently, 100 μL from each tube were plated on Mueller–Hinton (MH) agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), and incubated under the same aerobic conditions. Samples showing microbial growth were subjected to Gram staining and colony-forming unit (CFU) counting.

Results: A significant difference in microbial contamination was found between the groups (p < 0.05). Sealed boxes showed a lower contamination rate (5.56%) compared with boxes opened and exposed to the clinical environment (37.50%). However, both groups exhibited microbial contamination, indicating that gutta-percha cones cannot be considered completely aseptic.

Conclusion: Therefore, implementing a disinfection protocol prior to clinical use is recommended to ensure asepsis and reduce the risk of cross-contamination during endodontic treatment.