Influence of experimental calcium hydroxide medication: Evaluation of intratubular decontamination and morphological characteristics in intraradicular dentin

• Grant number: 24/14834-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Endodontics
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Sivieri de Araújo
• Grantee: Beatriz Campos Lopes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The main aim of endodontic treatment for teeth with pulp necrosis is to decontaminate the root canal system. In order to achieve this goal, various strategies are employed (biomechanical preparation, irrigation solutions, intracanal medication based on calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]). However, even with these strategies, the root canal system is not completely free of microorganisms. Resistant microorganisms use mechanisms to survive and resist conventional treatments, such as the presence of a proton pump in the cytoplasmic membrane that can regulate pH. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of an experimental Ca(OH)2 medication associated with a proton pump inhibitor, whether or not this medication is agitated inside the root canals with ultrasound (US). Intratubular decontamination, analysis of the morphology and chemical composition of intraradicular dentin and the particles of the experimental medications will be evaluated. For this purpose, 66 bovine teeth will be used, and biomechanical preparation will be carried out in all root canals. The experimental groups will be: G1-PBM + Propylene Glycol (Control); G2-PBM + Propylene Glycol + US; G3-PBM + Ca(OH)2; G4-PBM + Ca(OH)2 + US; G5-PBM + Ca(OH)2 experimental; G6-PBM + Ca(OH)2 experimental + US. The specimens will be stained with Live/Dead BacLight Bacterial solution and analyzed using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. Scanning electron micrographs will be obtained to qualify the experimental groups using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The qualitative and quantitative identification of the chemical composition of the dentin substrate and the Ca(OH)2 medications will be analyzed using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The data obtained will be subjected to the normality test and the means compared using specific statistical tests (¿=0.05).