An in vitro comparison of calcium ions release and diffusion ability of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicament in combination with three different vehicles like propolis, chitosan, and propylene glycol.

CONTEXT: Calcium hydroxide, which is an intracanal medicament, is widely used in endodontics. Improvements can be made to its effectiveness, as calcium hydroxide is dependent on the vehicle.

AIM: The study aims to compare and evaluate the release and diffusion ability of calcium hydroxide when mixed with - propolis, chitosan, and propylene glycol.

METHODS: For this study, 33 single-rooted extracted premolar teeth have been decoronated. After the working length and enlargement of the canals had been established, different preparations of calcium hydroxide with vehicles such as propolis, chitosan, and propylene glycol were loaded into the canals. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to analyze the release of calcium ions in three groups, while a digital pH meter was used to determine an acid change.

RESULTS: Atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed sustained releases of calcium ions and the digital pH meter showed increased diffusion capacity in the propylene glycol paste group in comparison to the other two groups.

CONCLUSION: Propylene glycol vehicle made it easier to enter calcium hydroxide into the dentinal tubules.