Retrograde root filling using antibiotic-containing, radiopaque, bone cement.

An investigation is reported on the in-vitro behaviour, characteristics and properties of three gentamicin-containing radiopaque bone cements that are considered to be promising retrograde root-filling materials. Three commercially available cements, CMW-1G, CMW-3G and Palacos R with gentamicin were studied with regard to bacteriocidal properties, tissue compatibility in cell culture, and ability to seal tooth cavities as evidenced by dye diffusion. Results were compared and contrasted with those obtained with an amalgam. The antibiotic-containing cements investigated are considered to have some distinct advantages over amalgam when used as retrograde root-filling materials in vitro. Amalgam was found to have poor bacteriocidal properties and poor tissue compatibility but slightly better apical sealing abilities than the cements. No apparent drawbacks were found with the cements.