Abstract

Abstract : Successful root canal treatment depends on three main phases, biomechanical preparation, disinfection and obturation. Disinfection is an important step during and after cleaning and shaping. However complete elimination of microorganisms may not be achieved by chemo mechanical preparation alone. Therefore, the use of intra canal medicaments has been advocated to further reduce the number of micro-organisms. Intra-canal medicaments have traditionally gone hand-in-glove with endodontics. Adequate disinfection assisted by the intracanal medicament reduces the bacterial population and favours the prognosis. They are generally considered to be an integral part of treatment and important to the success of root canal therapy. Intracanal medicaments are mandatory in cases like non vital tooth, periapical pathology, periapical or radicular abscess and traumatised teeth. Calcium hydroxide is the gold standard but has many disadvantages such as weakening of root dentin and residual calcium hydroxide may interact with root canal sealer and interfere with the hermetic seal. Recently, modified triple antibiotic paste, bioactive glass, nanosized calcium hydroxide, nisin and herbal medicaments like propolis, green tea, Arctium Lappa and lemon solution are introduced. Therefore, this article focuses on the recent advancements in intracanal medicaments in an attempt to identify the best possible intracanal medicament.