Antibiotic approaches to endodontic regeneration

Regenerative endodontics (REs) has redefined the management of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps by shifting the objective from simple disinfection to biologically driven root maturation and restoration of the dentine-pulp complex. A critical component of this process is the selection of intracanal medicaments that can effectively eliminate microbial infection while preserving the viability of stem cells required for regeneration. This narrative review evaluates the biological and antimicrobial performance of commonly used medicaments, particularly calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) and triple antibiotic paste (TAP), and discusses their role in RE procedures. A literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between January 2000 and March 2025. Although Ca(OH)₂ remains widely used due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to promote hard tissue formation, concerns remain regarding its high alkalinity and potential adverse effects on stem cell survival. TAP, in contrast, appears to provide a more supportive environment for dental pulp stem cell proliferation and attachment but is associated with drawbacks such as tooth discoloration and antibiotic-related limitations. Emerging alternatives, including double antibiotic paste (DAP) and nano-modified calcium hydroxide formulations, aim to improve the balance between antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility. Overall, current evidence emphasizes the importance of optimizing medicament concentration and duration of application to enhance the predictability and long-term success of RE therapy.