Time dependent effects of iodine potassium iodide (IKI) on a polymicrobial bioflm.

Abstract

Iodine potassium idodide is a less common endodontic irrigant that has been in use for years. Until now it has yet to be tested on a polymicrobial biofilm model. This study tested the feasibility of a new polymicrobial biofilm model for testing of endodontic irrigants by measuring remaining viability with MTT and SEM. There was no significant difference between time points between 1 and 20 minutes of 2% IKI application and 6% sodium hypochlorite. There was no significant difference between IKI at any time point and the PBS control for remaining bioburden. 6% sodium hypochlorite was significantly better at biofilm dissolution than IKI and PBS. 4. Due to the inability of 2 % IKI to remove biofilm it is not advised for use as the primary endodontic irrigant but may be a successful as an adjunctive irrigant to disinfect any residual biofilm that remains after cleaning and shaping. IKI may show potential as an intracanal medicament for species like E. faecalis that may be resistant to calcium hydroxide due to its powerful antimicrobial activity with the ability to penetrate biofilms.