Assessment of ion diffusion from a calcium hydroxide-propolis paste through dentin

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Calcium hydroxide is a widely used intracanal medicament in endodontics.
• Its efficacy relies on the diffusion of calcium hydroxide ions through dentinal tubules.
• Investigating novel delivery vehicles for calcium hydroxide is crucial for optimizing its therapeutic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diffusion capacity of calcium hydroxide ions from a novel non-alcoholic calcium hydroxide-propolis paste.
• To compare the ion diffusion of this paste with conventional calcium hydroxide formulations.
• To assess the influence of propolis on the release of calcium hydroxide ions.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-six bovine teeth were prepared and divided into three experimental groups.
• Root canals were filled with calcium hydroxide-propylene glycol, calcium hydroxide-saline, or calcium hydroxide-propolis paste.
• The diffusion of calcium hydroxide ions into surrounding deionized water was monitored by pH measurements over 168 hours.

Main Results:

• All tested pastes facilitated the diffusion of calcium hydroxide ions through dentinal tubules.
• The calcium hydroxide-propolis paste demonstrated a significant increase in pH, indicating enhanced ion release.
• The heightened pH effect from the propolis-containing paste was most pronounced at the 72-hour time point.

Conclusions:

• The calcium hydroxide-propolis paste effectively diffuses through dentin.
• Incorporating propolis into calcium hydroxide paste enhances the release of calcium hydroxide ions.
• This suggests a promising potential for calcium hydroxide-propolis paste as an intracanal medicament in endodontic therapy.