Comparative evaluation of effect of modified triple antibiotic paste and calcium hydroxide as intracanal medicament on microhardness of root dentin: An in vitro study

To assess and compare the impact of modified triple antibiotic paste (MTAP) and calcium hydroxide (CH) as intracanal medicament on microhardness (MH) of root dentin. Twenty single-rooted, noncarious, single-canaled permanent teeth were selected. They were decoronated and vertically sectioned into two equal parts to acquire 40 samples. These samples were submerged in acrylic blocks with their pulpal surfaces exposed. These samples were enclosed within acrylic blocks, with their pulp surfaces visible. They were then randomly allocated into four groups (n = 10). MH was measured at three steps: initial measurement of MH before irrigation with 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); after irrigation with 3% NaOCl; and after interaction with medications (MTAP or CH pastes at an interval of 7 days or 30 days). The degree of reduction in MH percentage was computed. The collected data underwent statistical examination at a significance threshold of P < 0.05. All procedures led to a noteworthy decline in MH values when compared to both prior and initial measurement. The highest reduction in MH was seen after irrigation with 3% NaOCl (P < 0.05). CH showed a greater reduction in MH as compared to MTAP (P < 0.05). More reduction in MH was seen after 30 days as compared to that after 7 days for both CH and MTAP (P < 0.05). Use of intracanal irrigants and medicaments reduces the MH of root dentin. Lesser reduction in MH was observed when utilization of MTAP as compared to CH.