Abstract
The routine uses of intracanal medication to eliminate the root canal microorganisms and enhance periapical healing may affect the structure of root canal dentin. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different intracanal medications on the maturation and calcification of dentin. Ten extracted human molar were longitudinally split. Each root was then randomly divided into six dentin blocks: one control and five test specimens. The control dentin block received no medication; whereas the other five blocks were subjected to Triantibiotic paste (a mixture of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, doxycycline, and deionized water), 2% Chlorhexidine gel, Ultracal, Metapaste, and conventional calcium hydroxide (powder/water formulation) for 15 days. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy the specimens were analyzed and compared with the control dentin. Carbonate/phosphate and phosphate/Amide I ratios were used to investigate the maturity and calcification of hydroxyapatite of dentin, respectively. The highest significant increase in carbonate/phosphate ratio, indicating increased maturity of root canal dentin' hydroxyapatite, was observed with Triantibiotic paste. A significant decrease in phosphate/Amide I ratio, indicating reduced calcification of root canal dentin' hydroxyapatite, was observed with Triantibiotic paste followed by Metapaste. The use of calcium hydroxide powder, Ultracal, and 2% Chlorhexidine gel produced insignificant changes in maturity and calcification of hydroxyapatite. Triantibiotic paste significantly increased the maturity, but both Triantibiotic paste and Metapaste significantly reduced the calcification of hydroxyapatite of root canal dentin. This should be considered when using these medications.