Triple Antibiotic Paste and Alternative Medicaments in Endodontics: A Literature Review

One of the major reasons for endodontic failure is inadequate disinfection of the root canals during canal preparation and cleaning. Despite the thorough instrumentation, chemo-mechanical preparation alone cannot eliminate residing bacteria, especially due to the complex anatomy of the root canal system. One effective intra-canal medicament is Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP), which is a mixture of three antibiotics that has a combined effect to act as a potent antimicrobial agent against microbes. TAP has also been proposed as a root canal medicament in endodontic regenerative procedures, and the review assesses its efficiency in root canal disinfection in both primary and permanent teeth, along with its effects on regeneration/ revascularization procedures. Furthermore, the article discusses and compares other intra-canal medications used in contemporary endodontic practice, such as Calcium Hydroxide (CH) and Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHX). The review emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate medicament and disinfectant to effectively treat odontogenic infections and maintain the vitality of diseased pulp when possible.