Development and Characterization of Triple Action-Dental Mold

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was the preparation and in vitro evaluation of polymeric molds with amoxicillin trihydrate, lidocaine hydrochloride, and metronidazole for sustained drug release for prolonged local action on an affected tooth (during carries and gum problems). Background : Periodontal diseases with infection and inflammation cause dental pain. For the treatment of dental problems such as dental pain, analgesics with antibiotics are prescribed at the initial stage. Objective: The main objective of the present study was to develop polymer-based dental mold containing three drugs (amoxicillin trihydrate, lidocaine hydrochloride, and metronidazole) to provide local drug action on the affected tooth or gingiva for a prolonged period of time. Methods: Dental molds were prepared with drugs and the optimum combination of polymers (determined by initial screening) such as corn zein, carbopol 934 P, gum acacia powder and poloxamer 407 by mixing together in ethanol (95%) followed by solvent evaporation. The developed dental molds were evaluated using different in vitro physio-chemical methods such as tooth adhesion test, percent swelling, surface pH, scanning electron microscopy, drug content and drug-release study by simultaneous UV spectroscopy. Results: The mean adhesive strength obtained in our formulation was 46.5 g-wt with a surface pH value of 6.5. The percentage of swelling of the dental molds varied from 43% to 73% in 4 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed very small and uniformly distributed drug particles in the matrix. Drug loading was high and reproducible. The cumulative percentage release of lidocaine hydrochloride, amoxicillin trihydrate and metronidazole in vitro was about 93.81%, 59.67%, and 48.7%, respectively, over 24 h. Conclusion: The developed dental mold containing three drugs may be applied to the affected tooth for prolonged drug action locally and an easy option to relieve from dental pain and infection by local drug action.