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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in Endodontics: Comparison and combination with Calcium Hydroxide in the inhibition of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors
Iara Esthefanny Basuri Silva, Kevin David Villota Trejo
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), and their combination
against Enterococcus faecalis, a microorganism frequently associated with
endodontic infections. An in vitro experimental study was conducted
using a bile esculin agar well diffusion assay with 24 plates inoculated with a
standard strain of E. faecalis (ATCC 29212). Wells were prepared in the culture
medium and the experimental materials were applied. Antibacterial activity was
determined by measuring inhibition zone diameters (mm) at 24, 48, and 72 h.
Data were analyzed using normality tests (Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk).
Paired comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test or the
paired Student’s t-test, as appropriate. Statistical significance was set at p
< 0.05. Results showed that NAC exhibited moderate antibacterial activity
with a slight decrease over time. The combination of NAC with calcium hydroxide
did not demonstrate a synergistic effect, as inhibition zone diameters were
similar to NAC and lower than calcium hydroxide alone. Under the in vitro
agar diffusion model used, calcium hydroxide showed the highest antibacterial
efficacy against E. faecalis, and NAC did not enhance its effect when used in
combination.
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Pages:82-89
How to cite this article:
Iara Esthefanny Basuri Silva, Kevin David Villota Trejo "Effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in Endodontics: Comparison and combination with Calcium Hydroxide in the inhibition of <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>". International Journal of Dental Sciences, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 82-89
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