Triple antibiotic paste: momentous roles and applications in endodontics: a review

This study investigated the latest findings and notions regarding ‘triple antibiotic paste’ (TAP) and its applications in dentistry, particularly endodontics. TAP is a combination of 3 antibiotics, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline. Despite the problems and pitfalls research pertaining to this paste has unveiled, it has been vastly used in endodontic treatments. The paste's applications vary, from vital pulp therapy to the recently introduced regeneration and revascularisation protocol. Studies have shown that the paste can eliminate the root canal microorganisms and prepare an appropriate matrix for further treatments. This combination is able to remove diverse groups of obligate and facultative gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, providing an environment for healing. In regeneration protocol cases, this allows the development, disinfection, and possible sterilization of the root canal system, so that new tissue can infiltrate and grow into the radicular area. Moreover, TAP is capable of creating a discipline in which other wanted and needed treatments can be successfully performed. In conclusion, TAP, as an antibacterial intracanal medication, has diverse uses. Nevertheless, despite its positive effects, the paste has shown drawbacks. Further research concerning the combined paste and other intracanal medications to control microbiota is a must.

Loading of gentamicin sulfate into poly [lactic-co-glycolic acid] biodegradable microspheres

Objective: In dental treatments, use of carriers for targeted antibiotic delivery would be optimal to efficiently decrease microbial count. In this study, gentamicin was loaded into polylactic co-glycolic acid [PLGA] microspheres and its release pattern was evaluated for 20 days

Methods: In this experimental study, PLGA microspheres loaded with gentamycin were produced by the W/O/W method. The correct morphology of loaded microspheres was ensured using scanning electron microscopy [SEM]. The rate of drug release from polymeric microspheres into the phosphate buffered saline [PBS] solution was measured during a 20-day period using spectroscopy. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA

Results: SEM micrographs showed that the produced microspheres had smooth and nonporous surfaces and 30-micron diameter. Assessment of the pattern of drug release from the PLGA microspheres loaded with gentamycin revealed a burst release on day six followed by a stable pattern of release until day 20

Conclusion: Considering the biocompatibility of PLGA and optimal pattern of drug release, PLGA microspheres loaded with gentamicin can be successfully used for infection control and reduction of microbial count in dental treatments