Antibacterial Characteristics of Nanoclay-Infused Cavit Temporary Filling Material: In Vitro Study

In pediatric endodontic procedures, final crown placement is often delayed, requiring the use of temporary filling materials to seal the access cavity. Given the importance of antibacterial properties in temporary restorations and the known antimicrobial effects of nanoclay particles, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of a nanoclay-infused temporary dressing against cariogenic and residual intracanal bacteria. A commercial temporary material (CAVISOL, Tehran, Iran) was blended with nanoclay (SOUTHERN, Gonzalez, TX, USA; average size 95 nm), using eugenol as a wetting agent. The antibacterial effects on <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>, <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>, and <i>Escherichia coli</i> were assessed using disc diffusion, well diffusion, and microtiter plate assays after 24 h of incubation at 37 °C (six material groups, three bacterial strains, three replications for each antibacterial test). Statistical analyses were performed using Shapiro-Wilk and ANOVA tests (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The results showed that formulations containing 60% and 80% nanoclay significantly inhibited the growth of all tested bacteria, outperforming pure Cavit (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The most substantial inhibition was observed in <i>E. coli</i>, while <i>S. mutans</i> exhibited the least susceptibility (<i>p</i> < 0.05). These findings suggest that incorporating nanoclay into temporary fillings may enhance efficacy to increase the success rate of pediatric endodontic treatments, although further physicochemical and clinical evaluations are warranted.