ABSTRACT:
Triple antibiotic paste is used as intracanal medicament to completely eliminate the microrganisms from the root canals. The Aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of various concentrations of triple antibiotic paste against Streptococcus salivarius by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The stability and antimicrobial effect of triple antibiotic paste were tested by antibiotic susceptibility testing against Streptococcus salivarius by using Agar disc diffusion method over the period of one day, 3 days and 7 days. The samples were divided into three groups: Group 1, 1% TAP; Group 2, 2% TAP; Group 3, 3%; Group 4, Chlorhexidine (control). The zone of inhibition was measured after 24 hours and recorded in millimeters and the same procedure was repeated after 3 days and 7 days. Higher concentration of triple antibiotic paste (3%) showed superior antibacterial effect compared to 1%, 2% TAP and chlorhexidine. The antibacterial efficacy increased more rapidly after 7 days compared to 24 hours and 3 days. Under the impediment of this in vitro study, higher concentrations of triple antibiotic paste when used for a period of time showed an effective antibacterial effect.