CAN ANTI-OXIDANTS REPLACE CALCIUM HYDROXIDE AS INTRA CANAL MEDICAMENT : AN IN VITRO STUDY

Introduction:Endodontics has several main goals, one of which is disinfecting the root canal system. Even though the bacterial load can be effectively reduced by cleaning, shaping, and using antimicrobial medications, some bacteria still survive and proliferate, leading to reinfection. Herbal alternatives have been introduced to counter the inefficacy, possible side effects, and safety concerns associated with synthetic drugs. Herbal irritants are safe and to contain active ingredients with advantageous physiological effects. So, the aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficiency of Antioxidants, i.e., green coffee, Lemon, and Honey with Calcium hydroxide as intra-canal medicaments.

Methodology: A total of 156single-rooted teeth were decorated at the cement-enamel junction. The apical part of the roots was sealed with composite resin to prevent leakage, followed by instrumentation up to the F3 Protaper universal rotary system and bacterial inoculation. The samples weredivided into 5 groups based on intracanal medicament used Ca(OH)₂,lemon extract,honey,green coffee extract and saline, respectively. These samples were incubated for 24 hrs at 37°C, and then scrapings from these teeth were collected in a test tube containing BHI broth and incubated for 24 hrs at 37°C. samples were streaked on agar plates and observed for E.Faecalis colonies. The One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni Multiple Comparison tests were used to analyse the data statistically.

Results: Calcium hydroxide has shown the highest antimicrobial activity compared to other groups. There is no significant difference between lemon and honey. Green coffee has the least antimicrobial property.

Conclusion: Antioxidants have a potential to be used as intracanal medicament if its antibacterial activity could be enhanced.