Effect of Calcium Hydroxide Versus Double Antibiotic Paste on Endodontic Treatment Outcomes in Teeth With Large Periapical Lesions: A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: The successful management of necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis poses a tough challenge in endodontic therapy, as it involves addressing compromised tooth vitality and microbial invasion of root canal systems. Failure to effectively treat these conditions can lead to persistent infection and severe patient discomfort. The efficacy of double antibiotic paste (DAP), a mixture of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, was evaluated and compared to calcium hydroxide (CH) by assessing radiographic and clinical outcomes of nonsurgical endodontic treatment in cases with necrotic pulps and the presence of apical periodontitis. Methods: Thirty maxillary anterior teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis (periapical index [PAI] = 5) were divided randomly into two experimental groups. The first group received CH dressing, while the other group filled with DAP as intracanal medicament. After 3 weeks, medicaments were removed, and teeth were obturated in both groups. Teeth were assessed clinically and radiographically at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups. A chi-square test was performed to compare the outcome between the groups. Results: None of the teeth showed complete healing in a 6-month follow-up. At the 12-month follow-up, six samples in the DAP group showed complete healing of the periapical (PA) lesion, while none of the samples in the CH group were completely healed. The PA healing outcome was as follows: in the DAP group, 40% of cases were healed, 60% healing, and 0% diseased, while in the CH group, 0% healed, 93.3% healing, and 6.7% diseased. The results of the two experimental groups in 12 months differed significantly (p  < 0.05). Conclusion: DAP group has shown significantly better outcomes compared to CH as intracanal medicament in the treatment of teeth with PA lesions. This finding suggests that DAP may offer a more effective therapeutic approach in managing necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis, potentially improving patient outcomes and treatment success rates. Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry identifier: IRCT2015060822615N1.