The effect of different intracanal medicaments on the dislodgement resistance of mineral trioxide aggregate

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the effect of different commercially used calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)], the mixture of Ca(OH)(2) + silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and other intracanal medicaments on dislodgement resistance of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to root canal dentin in short- and long-term application. METHODS: Forty-six human single-rooted maxillary teeth were sectioned horizontally at mid-root into 1 mm thick slices. The lumen of the slices was standardized using #2–#5 Gates Glidden drills to a standard diameter of 1.3 mm in all samples. After smear layer removal, the samples were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 20) and treated with the following medicaments; Ca(OH)(2) paste, Calcipex, Metapex, chlorhexidine (CHX), Ca(OH)(2)/CHX paste, Ca(OH)(2)/AgNPs, triple antibiotic paste and control group (normal saline). The samples were then incubated at 37 °C with 100% humidity for 1 week. Next, half of the teeth in each group (n = 10) were removed from the incubator and washed in an ultrasonic bath. ProRoot MTA was placed in the canal lumen and the samples were incubated at 37 °C and 100% humidity for 48 h to allow complete setting of MTA. The remaining half in each group (n = 10) was subjected to the same process after 1 month of application of medicaments. The dislodgement resistance of MTA to root dentin was measured. The data were analysed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted in dislodgement resistance of samples after 1 week and 1 month in any group (P > 0.05). The only significant difference was noted between the control and CHX groups and the higher dislodgement resistance was recorded in the CHX group (P = 0.006). No other significant differences were noted between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Duration of application and the type of intracanal medicament do not affect the dislodgement resistance of MTA to root dentin. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the dislodgment resistance of MTA between the medicaments, CHX had a promising effect.