Comparative evaluation of the effect of simvastatin and modified triple antibiotic paste on microhardness and fracture resistance of root dentin-an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND

An ideal intracanal medicament should provide effective antimicrobial action while preserving radicular dentin. This in vitro study compared the effects of simvastatin and modified triple antibiotic paste (mTAP) on root dentin microhardness and fracture resistance.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Fifty-four single-rooted human premolars were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 18): simvastatin, mTAP, and control. Following root canal preparation, medicaments were placed for 1 week. Dentin microhardness was measured using a Vickers hardness tester, and fracture resistance was assessed with a universal testing machine. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Both simvastatin and mTAP significantly reduced dentin microhardness compared with baseline (p < 0.001). The reduction was greatest with simvastatin (29.84 ± 3.92%), followed by mTAP (17.11 ± 7.04%) and control (8.48 ± 1.76%). Fracture resistance also differed significantly among groups (p = 0.0007), with the control group showing the highest values, followed by mTAP and simvastatin.

CONCLUSION

Both medicaments were associated with changes in mechanical properties of root dentin. Simvastatin showed the greatest reduction in microhardness and the lowest fracture resistance among the tested groups. These findings should be interpreted within the limitations of the in vitro experimental model.