Intracanal medicaments: A review

Abstract

It is important to develop new therapeutic materials that have the required clinical actions, are safe and economical. Objective: To analyze the literature on intracanal medicaments such as triple antibiotic paste, calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine and antimicrobial nanoparticles. Methodology: The search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The terms "calcium hydroxide", "triple antibiotic paste", "chlorhexidine", "nanoparticles", "intracanal medication" and "endodontic" were used. Results: Triple antibiotic paste contains medication that helps to disinfect the root canal, it is the most used treatment in pulp regeneration and revascularization. Calcium hydroxide is the most commonly used intra-canal medication in endodontics, since it induces the formation of a mineralized layer and has an acceptable microbial effect, it is not as effective on E. faecalis and C. albicans. Chlorhexidine is a drug widely used in endodontics as an irrigant; it is broad spectrum and is a retentive agent in dentin, it has an antimicrobial effect against biofilm with better results after 7 days of placement. Antimicrobial nanoparticles are new products used as an intra-oral medication, so studies are still needed to verify their effect on dentin and their long-term efficacy. Conclusion: Intracanal medicaments are used between appointments, for the elimination of bacteria or to avoid canal contamination. We could say that nanoparticles with calcium hydroxide have a promising future in terms of antimicrobial efficacy and looking for a better effect on dentin.