Comparative Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of Root Dentin Treated with Calendula Officinalis L. and Calcium Hydroxide as Intracanal Medicaments- An In vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Intracanal Medicaments (ICMs) play a major role in disinfection of root canal system. The use of interappointment ICM during endodontic treatment may affect the mechanical properties of dentin which results in decreased fracture resistance of teeth. The use of synthetic medicament is associated with many limitations such as antibiotic overdose, side effects and cytotoxic reactions. In order to overcome this, recent research has been directed towards herbal ICMs with better efficacy and lesser side effects. Aim: To evaluate the effect of a novel herbal ICM Calendula officinalis L. (CO) on fracture resistance of root dentin in comparison to Calcium Hydroxide (CH). Materials and Methods: This in vitro study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, SRM Dental College and Hospital, Ramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Thirty freshly extracted single rooted human premolar teeth were selected for the in vitro study and randomly assigned into three groups: Group 1: No medication (Control group) (n=10), Group 2: CH (n=10), Group 3: CO (n=10). The samples were decoronated and biomechanical preparation was done followed by placement of respective ICMs in the root canal space, sealed with glass ionomer cement and immersed in saline for a storage period of 7 and 14 days. Each group was subdivided into 5 teeth, depending on the storage period. After each storage period, ICMs were removed and samples were subjected to fracture resistance test using universal testing machine. Data were analysed using One-way Anova followed by Tukey HSD post-hoc test with level of statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: On evaluation of compressive strength, CO group showed more fracture resistance compared to CH group on 7th day and no statistical significant differences were seen between CO and CH groups on 14th day. Conclusion: CO can be efficiently used as an alternative to CH because of its low toxicity and increased resistance to fracture.