Evaluation of calcium ion release from apical plugs formed by Biodentine and MTA with and without incorporation of triple antibiotic powder and modified triple antibiotic powder (cefaclor) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry - An in vitro study.

Abstract

Apexification procedure with Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine as apical plugs along with the incorporation of medicaments such as silver zeolite, chlorhexidine, and triple antibiotic powder (TAP) is a new area of research that is gradually gaining momentum in dentistry. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the calcium released from the apical plugs formed by MTA and Biodentine with and without incorporation of 2% TAP and 2% modified triple antibiotic powder (mTAP). Ninety single-rooted teeth were randomly divided (n = 15) into two experimental groups with three subgroups (n = 5) each based on the composition of apical plugs (4 mm) as follows: Group A: Biodentine - Subgroup 1: Biodentine, Subgroup 2: Biodentine + 2% TAP, and Subgroup 3: Biodentine + 2% modified TAP and Group B: MTA - Subgroup 1: MTA, Subgroup 2: MTA + 2% TAP, and Subgroup 3: MTA + 2% modified TAP. Each sample tooth was then immersed in 10 mL of deionized water. Evaluation of calcium release was done on days 7, 15, and 30 using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and a Tukey's post hoc test. Calcium ion release was maximum for Biodentine compared to MTA and was greater with materials incorporated with TAP and mTAP than materials alone at days 7, 15, and 30. The incorporation of 2% TAP and 2% mTAP resulted in increased calcium ions released from MTA and Biodentine which helps in faster apexification.