Root Canal Medicaments

Root Canal Medicaments

Intra-canal medicament – Intra-canal medicaments have a long history of use as interim appointment dressings. They have been employed for the following three purposes.

  • Reduce inter-appointment pain
  • Decrease bacterial count and prevent re-growth
  • Render the canal contents inert

Types of Root Canal Medicaments

  • Phenols + Aldehydes -> more of historical importance / studies show that they are not effective.
  • Calcium hydroxide (CaOH2) -> Is effective in inhibiting microbial growth in canals. Further, calcium hydroxide has antimicrobial activity that is a result of the alkaline pH; and it may aid in dissolving necrotic tissue remnants, bacteria and their by products. Inter-appointment CaOH2 demonstrates no direct pain reducing affects.  Although it may have and indirect affect by reducing bacterial numbers. Some of its antibacterial activity may be related to the absorption of carbon dioxide that starves capnophilic bacteria in the root canal. Moreover it can hydrolyze the lipid moiety of bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Also, calcium hydroxide during treatment, may minimize the ingress of tissue fluid used as a nutrient by microorganisms. Further, high pH inhibits enzyme activities that are essential to bacterial life . Finally, calcium hydroxide maintains it antibacterial properties for long periods of timeSkygate Dental Root Canal
  • Corticosteriods -> Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents that have been advocated for decreasing post-operative pain by suppressing inflammation. The use of corticosteroids as intra-canal medicament’s may decrease and lower the level of postoperative pain in certain situations; however, evidence also suggests that they may be ineffective, particularly with greater pain levels.
  • Ledermix -> (Developed in Switzerland) Corticosteriod for an Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Combined with the antibiotic Tetracycline. Both are capable of diffusing through dentinal tubules and cementum to reach the periodontal and periodical tissues.
  • Chlorhexidene -> Binds to bacteria. Further, Chlorhexidine has recently been advocated as an intra-canal medicament. It comes in a 2% gel is recommended or mixed with CaOH2. Unfortunately, its major disadvantage is that it does not affect the smear layer and is a fixative.

Finally, If you would like more information regarding Root Canal Medicament’s please do not hesitate to contact Skygate Dental today on (07) 3114 1199 or 0406 579 197.