POTENTIAL EFFECT OF PROPOLIS AS AN INTRACANAL MEDICAMENT ON ROOT CANAL DISINFECTION AND DENTIN MICROHARDNESS: (AN IN VITRO STUDY)

The study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of three intracanal medicaments namely propolis, Calcium hydroxide and Chlorhexidine gel on the root canal disinfection. Materials and method: Sixty-Four samples were chosen for this study. They were divided into four groups, group I received no medication, group II received propolis, group III received Calcium Hydroxide and group IV received Chlorhexidine. The four groups were subdivided into two subgroups A and B, with two-time intervals 1 and 2 weeks. For bacterial evaluation the samples were inoculated with Enterococcus Faecalis. Paper points were placed inside infected root canals and placed in a test tube for CFU count. Results: Results showed that propolis had an intermediate effect on Enterococcus faecalis due to the presence of phenolic compounds in propolis which can eliminated bacteria inside root canal. Calcium hydroxide showed an intermediate effect against bacteria due to its high alkalinity that also can eliminate bacteria. Chlorhexidine showed the highest effect against bacteria due to its ability to stay active inside canal for a long time (substantivity). These results were similar for the 2 time periods. Conclusion: Both Propolis and Ca(OH)2 showed moderate action on intracanal microbes over the two time periods and CHX can be regarded as the best intracanal medicaments regarding its action on intracanal microbes.