Efficacy of Different Obturating Materials - A Comparative Study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of propolis and its combination products as an obturating material in comparison to Vitapex. Materials and Methods: Propolis collected from the primary source was extracted using organic solvents and laboratory bio-assayed against Enterococcus faecalis to evaluate its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). For in-vivo studies, propolis efficacy was investigated in combination with zinc oxide and calcium hydroxide powder. Furthermore, pulpectomies were performed on 68 non-vital primary molars in the children of age group 4–8 years and were assessed both clinically and radiographically. Statistical Analysis: The data were subjected to chi-square test for comparative analysis. Results and Conclusions: Zinc oxide in combination with propolis resorbed at the same pace as that of the roots. MIC and MBC of laboratory-extracted propolis against E. faecalis were 289 and 579 μg/mL, respectively. Efficacies of different obturating materials were observed as ZnOP > ZnO{Ca(OH)2}P > Ca(OH)2P > Vitapex. A novel herbal obturating material with ideal properties for primary teeth has been developed.

Keywords

• minimum bactericidal concentration
• minimum inhibitory concentration
• obturating material
• propolis
• pulpectomy
• vitapex