Effect of different intracanal medicaments on the fracture resistance of the human root

Abstract

Background: The effect of different intracanal medicaments on root fracture resistance has
not been thoroughly investigated in the short and long term. To assess the effect of calcium
hydroxide (CH), CH combined with Chlorhexidine (CHX), double antibiotic paste (DAP), and
simvastatin as intracanal medicaments on the fracture resistance of the human root. One hundred
and twenty single‑rooted mandibular premolars which were extracted for periodontal reasons
were collected for this in vitro study.
Materials and Methods: This was an in vitro study. All teeth were decoronated. Root canals
were prepared by the Pro taper system, and %2.5 NaOCl was used for irrigation. The smear
layer was removed using %5.25 NaOCl and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid each for
3 min. The samples were randomly divided into five groups based on the medicament: (1)
CH (2) CH + CHX (3) Simvastatin (4) DAP (5) Control group. All specimens in each group
were incubated for 1 week (Subgroup A) and 1 month (Subgroup B). Then, medicaments were
removed and filled with gutta‑percha and AH26 sealer. All samples were tested for fracture
resistance. The data were statistically evaluated with the SPSS software 17. ANOVA and Mann–
Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests were used for the analysis of the data. P = 0.05 was considered
statistically significant.
Results: Although CH and CH + CHX increased the fracture resistance in a 1‑week period, there
was no significant difference between the groups after 1 month.
Conclusion: Under the limitations of this study, CH and CH + CHX, DAP and simvastatin do
not have a negative effect on root fracture resistance when used as intracanal medicaments
for <1 month.
Key Words: Calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine, root canal, simvastatin, therapy