A Comparative Study of ION Diffusion from Calcium Hydroxide with Various Herbal Pastes through Dentin: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Intracanal medicaments used during root canal treatment comes in direct contact with cells of pulp and periapical tissues. The antimicrobial property of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] is broadly utilized. It has the capability to dissolve organic tissues as well as to inactivate bacterial endotoxins. The aim of this in vitro study is ion diffusion from calcium hydroxide with various herbal pastes through dentin. Materials and Methods: Twenty one extracted single-rooted premolar were selected. The crown was transversely sectioned at the CEJ level. Paste was prepared by using 1gm of calcium hydroxide powder and 2mL of solution. Group1-(n=7): Calcium hydroxide-saline paste, Group2 (n=7): Calcium hydroxide-coconut water paste. Group3-(n=7): Calcium hydroxide-Ashwagandha paste; the apical foramen were sealed with epoxy resin. The teeth were placed in containers with 50mL of deionized water for 24, 72, and 168 hours, the pH values of the solution were measured using a pH meter. Results: Coconut water was alkaline in nature initially and after 168 hours, the medium was still alkaline. Ashwagandha was the only herbal preparation that increased the pH up to 168 hours and made the medium alkaline. Saline water preparations were acidic at the start of experiment, increased the pH up to 72 hours, but could not make the medium alkaline. Conclusion: The present study was done with the aim of vehicle used for calcium paste to improve the diffusion capability. Coconut water has a much better composition of minerals like calcium and zinc. The better dif¬fusion ability and marked antimicrobial activity make them the best materials, which can be used as vehicles. Ashwagandha prepara¬tions provided additional benefits of diffusion of ions through the dentinal tubules in a sustained manner (up to 168 hours) in comparison with normal saline.