Gulabivala K. Evaluation of protocols for fi eld decontamination before bacterial sampling of root canals for contemporary microbiology techniques. J

The effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (2.5%) or iodine (10%) for decontamination of the operation field (tooth, rubber dam, and gasket [Oraseal]) was compared by using bacterial culti-vation. In addition, the final samples were also as-sessed for bacteria by using polymerase chain re-action. Teeth (n 63) receiving root canal treatment were polished with pumice, isolated with rubber dam, and their margins sealed with Oraseal. The operation field was disinfected with hydrogen peroxide (30%), followed by iodine (n 31) or NaOCl (n 32), before and after access cavity preparation. The operation field was sampled be-fore and after each decontamination, giving four samples per field. After the final decontamination