BACKGROUND: Success of the regenerative endodontic treatment depends upon the disinfection of the root canal system. Because almost no instrumentation is carried out, the disinfection protocol relies only on the medicaments used. The most commonly used medicament is triple antibiotic paste (TAP) composed of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline. The major drawback associated with the minocycline is tooth discoloration. Several antibiotics have been suggested as an alternative to minocycline. However, the tooth discoloration potential of these alternative formulations has not been documented. AIM: The present study is designed to evaluate the crown discoloration produced by different modifications of TAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Freshly extracted human anterior teeth (n = 40) were sectioned 3 mm above and 5 mm below the cementoenamel junction. After access cavity preparation and canal enlargement, specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 for each group), and each group received the following antibiotic paste fillings: TAP with minocycline, TAP with amoxyclav, and TAP with clindamycin. Samples in control group were left empty. Images were taken with DSLR on day 0, 1, and at weeks 1, 2, and 3 at a fixed resolution. The analysis of slices was performed using the ImageJ software and mean values of pixel intensity were calculated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. RESULTS: TAP with minocycline and amoxyclav induced more coronal discoloration compared with the clindamycin group (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Modified TAP with clindamycin did not induce clinically visible discoloration up to 3 weeks after placement.
BACKGROUND: Success of the regenerative endodontic treatment depends upon the disinfection of the root canal system. Because almost no instrumentation is carried out, the disinfection protocol relies only on the medicaments used. The most commonly used medicament is triple antibiotic paste (TAP) composed of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline. The major drawback associated with the minocycline is tooth discoloration. Several antibiotics have been suggested as an alternative to minocycline. However, the tooth discoloration potential of these alternative formulations has not been documented. AIM: The present study is designed to evaluate the crown discoloration produced by different modifications of TAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Freshly extracted human anterior teeth (n = 40) were sectioned 3 mm above and 5 mm below the cementoenamel junction. After access cavity preparation and canal enlargement, specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 for each group), and each group received the following antibiotic paste fillings: TAP with minocycline, TAP with amoxyclav, and TAP with clindamycin. Samples in control group were left empty. Images were taken with DSLR on day 0, 1, and at weeks 1, 2, and 3 at a fixed resolution. The analysis of slices was performed using the ImageJ software and mean values of pixel intensity were calculated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. RESULTS: TAP with minocycline and amoxyclav induced more coronal discoloration compared with the clindamycin group (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Modified TAP with clindamycin did not induce clinically visible discoloration up to 3 weeks after placement.