Introduction. One of the microorganisms responsible for chronic inflammatory lesions in periapical tissues is Candida yeast, especially Candida albicans. Aim. The aim of the study was to compare the antifungal properties of 2% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine and 17% EDTA. Material and methods. Thirty‑two single‑rooted teeth were used in this study. The root canals were prepared apically with hand files to size 40. During preparation the canals were irrigated with 1 ml of 5.25% NaOCl after using each file size with a syringe and an endodontic needle. In order to remove the smear layer, the canals were irrigated with 1ml of 17% EDTA. After a final rinse of 1 ml of sterile saline, the canals were dried with paper points. The teeth were sterilized in an autoclave (121°C for 30 min). Then the root canals were infected with Candida albicans and after incubation were divided into 4 groups of 8 teeth in each group: in group I the root canals were rinsed with 1 ml of 2% sodium hypochlorite, in group II – 1 ml of 2% chlorhexidine, in group III – 1 ml of 17% EDTA, in group IV (control group) – 1 ml of sterile saline. Finally the root canals were irrigated with 30 ml of sterile saline and dried. Next a 0.1 ml of sterile saline was introduced into the canals and a Hedstroem file was used in a filing motion. Aliquots from the experimental teeth were plated. Results. Both sodium hypochlorite (group I) and chlorhexidine (group II) showed strong antifungal activity. However, in the case of EDTA (group III) the number of yeast colonies varied from 0 to more than 50. The highest number of colonies was observed in group IV, where a 0.9% NaCl was used to rinse.

Key words: Candida albicans, root canal irrigants, antifungal properties.