Antimicrobial efficacy of clindamycin, linezolid, and calcium hydroxide as root canal medicaments on tubular infection against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm: An in vitro study

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of linezolid, clindamycin, and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) as an intracanal medicament on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm. Methods: Fifty-six root blocks obtained from extracted single-rooted human teeth were decoronated, and the apical part of the root was removed to obtain a 6 mm cylinder of radicular dentin. The specimens were standardized for diameter, infected with microorganisms, and randomly divided into four groups. linezolid, clindamycin, Ca(OH) 2 , and methylcellulose (control) were placed in the root canal for 7 days. Dentin shavings were collected from 200 to 400 µm depth, and bacterial load was assessed by counting colony-forming units. Scores were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and the Mann–Whitney test. Results: Linezolid and clindamycin had better antibacterial effects than control at both 200 µm and 400 µm depth after 7 days. Conclusion: Linezolid and clindamycin outperformed Ca(OH) 2 in reducing bacteria and were equally efficient against E. faecalis but showed no significant differences in antimicrobial efficacy.