Comparative evaluation of the effect of intracanal medicaments calcium hydroxide, modified triple antibiotic paste, and Bio-C Temp on root dentin microhardness: An in vitro study.

AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of three intracanal medicaments - calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), modified triple antibiotic paste (MTAP), and Bio-C Temp - on the microhardness of root dentin.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Twenty extracted mandibular premolars with single canals were decoronated and standardized to 14 mm length. Following biomechanical preparation using ProTaper rotary instruments, the specimens were randomly allocated into four groups: Ca(OH)2, MTAP, Bio-C Temp, and a control group without medicament. The medicaments were placed using a lentulospiral and the canals sealed. All samples were incubated at 37°C in 100% humidity for 14 days. Mid-root dentin discs of 2 mm thickness were obtained and microhardness was assessed using a Vickers hardness tester under a 200 g load for 15 s.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc pairwise comparisons. The significance level was set at 5%.

RESULTS

MTAP produced the greatest reduction in dentin microhardness, followed by Ca(OH)2, while Bio-C Temp showed the least reduction. The control group exhibited the highest values. Differences among groups were statistically significant, except between Bio-C Temp and the control group.

CONCLUSION

Bio-C Temp preserved dentin microhardness more effectively than Ca(OH)2 and MTAP, indicating its potential as a favorable intracanal medicament with minimal adverse structural effects.