Microorganisms have an important role in the development and continuation of pulpal and periapical inflammation. The success of root canal treatment depends on the exclusive elimination of microbial contamination from the root canal system. Although mechanical instrumentation of root canals provide a decrease in bacterial population, a complete success in bacterial elimination cannot be achieved without the use of antimicrobial irrigants and drugs. In this paper antimicrobial effects of the root canal irrigants which are in use or under investigation are reviewed based on the current literature.
Keywords: Antimicrobial effect, root canal irrigants, root canal treatment
