Evaluation of unique property of ozone in comparison with 3% sodium hypochlorite in eradication of enterococcus faecalis

Background: The success of endodontic treatment depends on complete sterilization of the root canals. Aim: To compare the efficacy of ozone and 3% sodium hypochlorite in eradication of Enterococcus Faecalis. Materials and Methods: The sample consists of 30 retreatment cases of single rooted anterior teeth, which were divided into three groups of 10 each. Group 1 was subjected to sparing with gaseous ozone.  Group 2 was subjected to irrigation with aqueous ozone; group 3 was subjected to irrigation with 3 % sodium hypochlorite. Samples were collected and was cultured on Mcconkey agar media. Enterococcus faecalis was isolated and counted on colony forming unit. Results: Reduction in bacterial colony count was seen in patients treated with aqueous ozone and 3% sodium hypochlorite, while minimal reduction was observed on samples of gaseous ozone. Conclusion:  The study concluded that gaseous ozone does reduce number of E. faecalis in planktonic form and had a minimal effect on E. faecalis biofilm. The aqueous ozone and 3% sodium hypochlorite was more effective in reducing E. faecalis Strain in planktonic phenotype