Triple antibiotic paste: momentous roles and applications in endodontics: a review

Abstract

This study investigated the latest findings and notions regarding ‘triple antibiotic paste’ (TAP) and its applications in dentistry, particularly endodontics. TAP is a combination of 3 antibiotics, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline. Despite the problems and pitfalls research pertaining to this paste has unveiled, it has been vastly used in endodontic treatments. The paste's applications vary, from vital pulp therapy to the recently introduced regeneration and revascularisation protocol. Studies have shown that the paste can eliminate the root canal microorganisms and prepare an appropriate matrix for further treatments. This combination is able to remove diverse groups of obligate and facultative gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, providing an environment for healing. In regeneration protocol cases, this allows the development, disinfection, and possible sterilization of the root canal system, so that new tissue can infiltrate and grow into the radicular area. Moreover, TAP is capable of creating a discipline in which other wanted and needed treatments can be successfully performed. In conclusion, TAP, as an antibacterial intracanal medication, has diverse uses. Nevertheless, despite its positive effects, the paste has shown drawbacks. Further research concerning the combined paste and other intracanal medications to control microbiota is a must.

Comparison of Antibacterial Effects of Photodynamic Therapy, Modified Triple Antibiotic Paste and Calcium Hydroxide on Root Canals Infected With Enterococcus faecalis: An In Vitro Study

“…It is necessary to note that methylcellulose is neutral and does not interfere with the transfer of the drug into the dentinal tubules of the tooth and is easily cleansed inside the root of the tooth. 12 The findings of this study on the use of MTAP against E. faecalis are similar to those of the ones conducted before this study. For instance, examining the antimicrobial effect of different concentrations of TAP in the first, second, third, and fourth weeks on the mature biofilm of E. faecalis, Frough Reyhani et al indicated that TAP in the concentrations of 10, 100 and 1000 mg/mL completely stymied the growth of bacteria, but at the concentrations of 1, 0.1 and 0.01 mg/mL, bacteria were not destroyed completely; however, in the comparison between these concentrations and the control group, it was noted that these concentrations showed remarkable antibacterial features.…”

Evaluation of the Antibacterial efficacy of newly formulated Nano Triple Antibiotic paste with Nano Anti-inflammatory drug as a root canal medicament. (A double blind randomized clinical trial)

“…TAP is another combination of antibiotics which was introduced especially for the regeneration and revascularization protocol and the treatment of open apex teeth with necrotic pulp. It has been also used in endodontic therapy, its application as an intracanal medicament has reported high antibacterial efficacy (9) . TAP consists of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and doxycycline which all act against the pathogens commonly found inside the root canal system including Enterococcus faecalis.…”

Assessment of Nitrofurantoin as an Experimental Intracanal Medicament in Endodontics

“…Triple antibiotic paste (TAP), which is a combination of three antibiotics, namely, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline, has been used as an intracanal medicament owing to its high antimicrobial effects [31]. There is a controversy between the studies supporting its efficacy to eradicate EF in the root canal system completely [32][33][34][35].…”