Evaluation of calcium hydroxide mixed with propolis by ultrasonic activation as root canal dressing in delayed tooth replantation

Abstract

Background In cases of tooth avulsion, in which the neurovascular bundle responsible for nourishing the dental pulp is break, endodontic treatment is necessary before proceeding with tooth replantation. In this process, various substances have been tested in combination with calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 in an attempt to improve its effectiveness. This study aimed to examine the effects of using a mixture of Ca(OH)2 and 10% propolis, with subsequent application of ultrasonic treatment, on the delayed replantation of teeth in rats. Material and Methods Twenty-four rats underwent a surgical procedure to extract the upper right incisor, leaving it on a surface to dry for one hour. The pulp and periodontal ligament were removed and the teeth were submerged in a 2% sodium fluoride acidulated phosphate solution. The canals were dehydrated using paper cones and the teeth were divided into four groups, according to the type of intracanal dressing: Ca(OH)2 group, Ca(OH)2 group with ultrasonic agitation, Ca(OH)2 and propolis group, Ca(OH)2 and propolis group with ultrasonic agitation. The root canals were irrigated with saline solution and the teeth were reimplanted. Sixty days after reimplantation, the animals were euthanized. Results With regard to the presence of acute and chronic inflammatory infiltrate in the periodontal ligament, there was no statistically significant difference among some of the groups. Root resorption was identified in all groups, and there was no significant difference between them. Conclusions It is concluded that the application of intracanal dressing containing Ca(OH)2 associated with 10% propolis, followed by ultrasonic agitation, did not prove to be more effective than the use of Ca(OH)2 alone in the repair process in the delayed replantation of rat teeth. Key words: Tooth replantation, Calcium hydroxide, Propolis, Ultrasound, Intracanal dressing.