Resident University of Alabama of Dentistry at UAB Homewood, Alabama, United States
Topical antimicrobials have played a crucial role in disinfecting the root canal system as irrigants or medicaments. Current endodontic antimicrobial protocols do come with drawbacks. Calcium hydroxide, a widely used intracanal medicament, is not effective against all key endodontic pathogens. Triple antibiotic paste of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and minocycline has been implicated in tooth discoloration due to the minocycline component, in addition to the paste’s toxicity to stem cells of the apical papilla. Moreover, the emergence of antibiotic resistance due to overuse and misuse has created a public health crisis. Plant-extracted medicines have received significant attention, most notably essential oils, due to their role as free-radical scavengers. These oils possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and superior wound healing properties. The aim of this table clinic is to provide clinicians information about the potential therapeutic benefits of these natural extracts in endodontic treatment in the context of root canal disinfection and wound healing.
