Antibacterial Activity of Calcium Hydroxide and Betamethasone in Apical Periodontitis

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

Apical periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by bacterial infection of the root canal system. Although mechanical cleaning and shaping reduce most microorganisms, bacteria may persist in areas that are difficult to reach, making the use of intracanal medicaments between treatment sessions clinically important.

Calcium hydroxide is one of the most commonly used intracanal medicaments because of its antibacterial properties. However, some resistant microorganisms, such as Enterococcus faecalis, may survive when calcium hydroxide is used alone. Therefore, combining calcium hydroxide with other agents, such as iodoform or corticosteroids, may improve its antibacterial effectiveness.

The purpose of this study is to compare the antibacterial activity of calcium hydroxide used alone or in combination with iodoform (Metapex) or betamethasone in patients with apical periodontitis. Bacterial load in root canals will be evaluated using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), a highly sensitive molecular method that allows absolute quantification of bacteria. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence to support optimal intracanal medicament selection in endodontic retreatment cases.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Total Bacterial Load in Root Canal Samples — From baseline to 7 days after intracanal medicament application
  The primary outcome is the change in total bacterial load in root canal samples collected during endodontic retreatment. Bacterial load will be quantified using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) by measuring absolute bacterial DNA copy numbers at different treatment stages.

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition