A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF NEEM, TRIPHALA AND GALLIC ACID AS AN INTRACANAL MEDICAMENT - AN IN VITRO STUDY

Dr. Ishan Ahmed*, Dr. Vinay Rai, Dr. Arpita Tandon, Dr. Tushita Pandey, Dr. Poorva Kurtarkar, Dr. Rhea Digholkar

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial efficacy of three alternative intracanal medicaments v/s Calcium hydroxide against bacteria of endodontic origin. Materials and Method: 100 teeth were selected for the study depending upon selection criteria. Decoronation of the sample was done using carborundum disks. Post decoronation, access opening was done using diamond burs. Cleaning and shaping of the root canal system was done using rotary Pro Taper upto F3. All samples were divided into 5 groups: Group A: Neem + Propylene Glycol; Group B: Triphala + Propylene Glycol; Group C: Gallic Acid + Propylene Glycol; Group D: Calcium hydroxide + Propylene Glycol; Group E: Normal Saline. Equal amount of the principle ingredients were mixed with Propylene Glycol to achieve a paste like consistency. The cleaned and shaped roots were inserted into Eppendorf tubes and the cold cure acrylic was used to seal the root in the tube. One syringe tip was inserted through the cold cure acrylic to rest inside of the Eppendorf Tube for replenishment of nutrient broth. The entire assembly was autoclaved. ICM was introduced through the root canal orifice to rest into the root canal. The orifice was then sealed using cavit. 0.5 ml of bacterial sample was poured into the tube. Syringes are sealed shut. The assembly was stored at 37oC in a humidor. The bacterial count at the end of 72 hrs as per the group was evaluated by counting the Colony Forming Units. Result: Gallic Acid showed least CFU where as Calcium hydroxide performed better than Triphala, Neem and Normal Saline. No significant difference between Calcium hydroxide and Gallic Acid. Triphala showed a better result than Neem but inferior to Calcium hydroxide. Neem had the least antimicrobial effect but better than Normal Saline which was the worst performing group in this study. Conclusion: Amongst all the groups, the group with Gallic Acid showed the best antimicrobial efficacy when used as an intracanal medicament. Therefore Gallic Acid can be further studied and used as an intracanal medicament in the near future.

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