Comparative Evaluation oof Carnosic Acid, Calcium Hydroxide and Triple Antibiotic Paste on the Microhardness of Radicular Dentin– An in Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction- Carnosic acid, a plant-based compound, exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities, including potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. In endodontic therapy, various intracanal medications are employed to reduce microbial loads within the root canal system. However, understanding the impact of these medications on the pulp-dentine complex is crucial before clinical application. This study investigates the effects of carnosic acid on radicular dentine, comparing its outcomes with those of established intracanal medications, calcium hydroxide and triple antibiotic paste.

AIM- This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of carnosic acid, calcium hydroxide, and triple antibiotic paste on the microhardness of radicular dentin.

Material’s & Method- This study utilized 50 extracted mandibular bicuspids, which underwent initial canal negotiation and biomechanical preparation with ProTaper Gold files. The roots were divided into five groups (n = 10 each): an untreated control, a biomechanically prepared control, and three groups receiving intracanal medicaments (triple antibiotic paste, calcium hydroxide, or carnosic acid). After 21 days, medicaments were removed, and Vickers microhardness testing was conducted to evaluate the effects of each medicament on root dentin microhardness.

Result- A comparative analysis of the three intracanal medications showed a significant decline in microhardness, with carnosic acid causing the greatest reduction, followed by triple antibiotic paste. Calcium hydroxide had the least impact on microhardness.

Conclusion- The results showed that 21-day exposure to the tested intracanal medications significantly reduced radicular dentine microhardness. Carnosic acid, in particular, merits further investigation due to its promising antibacterial properties and potential as an effective intracanal medicament.