Assessment of transradicular diffusion of different intracanal medicaments through root dentin and cementum: An in vitro ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric analysis

Background: Endodontic treatment aims at the removal of root canal and periradicular infection; however, endo-perio lesions pose difficulty due to the complex disease process. Aims: To evaluate transradicular release of different intracanal medicaments (ICMs) through human root dentin and cementum using an ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrophotometer. Materials and Methods: Eighty extracted human mandibular premolars were cleaned, decoronated, and standardized to 12 mm root length. Following access opening and biomechanical preparation, the samples were divided for ICM placement into two groups ( n = 40): Groups 1 and 2 with and without cementum. Each group was further subdivided into four subgroups ( n = 10) – A: propylene glycol (control), B: calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ), C: doxycycline + chlorhexidine (CHX), and D: modified triple antibiotic paste (MTAP). The coronal and apical openings were sealed, and the transradicular release of medicaments in simulated body fluid was measured using UV-visible spectrophotometric analysis on days 1, 7, and 14. Statistical Analysis: One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test ( P < 0.05). Results: Group 2 showed the highest drug release compared to Group 1. In both the groups, Subgroup D (MTAP) showed the highest drug release, followed by Subgroup C (doxycycline + CHX) and B (Ca(OH) 2 ), whereas the control group showed the least release at all time intervals. Conclusion: MTAP exhibited the highest drug release both in the presence and in the absence of cementum, followed by doxycycline + CHX, and the absence of cementum enhanced the release of medicaments. Thus, these medicaments can be effectively used in cases of compromised root cementum, such as endo-perio or periapical lesions.