EFFECTIVENESS OF CALCIUM HYDROXIDE – PROPOLIS EXTRACT COMBINATION AGAINST LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS COLONIZATION

For several decades, the “gold standard” of direct pulp capping material is Calcium Hydroxide (CaOH). Because of its low success rate (36.70% out of 30 cases), many researchers are looking for another material derived from nature to replace CaOH. Because of its ability to act as an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and cure scars, a material called Propolis has been used for long in dentistry. Due to this reason, addition of ropolis extract to improve the function of CaOH is expected. The aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of CaOH-Propolis combination against Lactobacillus Acidophilus colonization. This research consists of 4 groups treatment of CaOH and Propolis Extract combination. Group 1 was a 1:1 combination ratio, Group 2 was a 1:1.5 combination ratio, Group 3 was a 1:2 combination ratio and group 4 was positive control group consist of combination of CaOH and Sterile Aquades. Each sample was then immersed in the saliva for 1 hour, and continued to be washed using PBS. All of the samples were then inserted into suspension of Lactobacillus Acidophilus, grown for 24 hours, after that the samples was taken and put into BHIB medium and vortex for 1 minute. A total of 0.1 ml of Lactobacilus Acidophilus Suspension of each group was put in to MHA, grown for 24 hours. The number of colonies was then calculated.The least amount of bacterial colonization was found in group 3, the group with the highest amount of Propolis Extract, continued with Group 2, Group 1, and Positive Control Group. The combination of calcium hydroxide and propolis with 1:2 ratio is the most effective on inhibit L. acidophilus colonization.