Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / For regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) to be successful an elimination of bacteria from the root canal system must be accomplished. Many different medicaments with antibacterial properties have been used to obtain complete disinfection. Double antibiotic paste (DAP) containing a mixture of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole has been shown to be a promising intracanal medicament. The addition of a radiopaque filler such as zirconium oxide to DAP may affect the antibacterial properties of DAP as well as allow precise placement and radiographic visualization of its position in the canal system. The aim of the proposed study was to evaluate the direct antibacterial properties of zirconium oxide radiopacifier combined with DAP (RoDAP) against a multispecies biofilm from a bacterial isolate from an infected immature tooth with a necrotic pulp and a known single species biofilm. 4x4 mm radicular dentin specimens (n = 112) obtained from human extracted teeth were used prepared and sterilized prior to use. A multispecies clinical bacterial isolate from an immature tooth with a necrotic pulp and a single species Enterococcus faecalis isolate were obtained. These bacterial isolates were used to inoculate dentin slabs and grown for 3 weeks. The dentin slabs were treated for 1 week with 1.0-mg/mL and 10- mg/mL RoDAP, 1.0-mg/mL DAP, and two placebo pastes consisting of methyl cellulose (MC) and methyl cellulose combined with zirconium oxide (RoMC), respectively, as well as two no-treatment controls. Following treatment, the grown biofilm was detached and spiral plated. The plated biofilm cells were cultured for 24 hours and each group examined using a colony counter to determine bacterial numbers (CFUs/mL). Data analysis, using a 5.0-percent significance level was conducted using one-way ANOVA followed by pair-wise group comparisons. Both 1.0-mg/mL and 10 mg/mL RoDAP demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against bacterial isolates from an immature tooth with a necrotic pulp as well as an E. faecalis isolate. The precise application of RoDAP confirmed radiographically with its direct antibacterial properties may be beneficial for intracanal disinfection during REPs.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Endodontic Regeneration Graduate Endodontic Department / Introduction: Regenerative endodontic procedures are used to treat immature teeth with pulpal necrosis in order to control infection, enable continued root development and enhance formation of a pulp like tissue in the canal. Canal disinfection is an integral part the regenerative endodontic process. Double antibiotic paste (DAP; i.e., equal parts of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole) has been successfully used for canal disinfection in regenerative endodontics. A comparison of the residual antibacterial effect of dentin treated with various dilutions of DAP pastes on biofilm formation has not yet been investigated thoroughly. Objectives: The aims of this in-vitro study were to investigate how concentration and time of treatment affect the residual antibacterial properties of DAP in preventing E. faecalis biofilm formation on human dentin. Materials and Methods: Extracted human teeth were used to obtain 4x4mm radicular dentin specimens. Each specimen was pretreated for 1 or 4 weeks with the 77 clinically used concentration of DAP (500 mg/mL), low concentrations of DAP (1, 5 or 50 mg/mL) loaded into a methylcellulose system, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), or placebo paste. After treatment, samples were rinsed and placed in sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for three weeks. Samples were then inoculated with cultured E. faecalis and incubated in anaerobic conditions for three weeks to allow mature biofilm formation. The dentin samples were rinsed and biofilms detached. The detached biofilm cells were then diluted and spirally plated for enumeration on blood agar plates. The plates were then incubated for 24 h and the number of CFUs/mL was determined using an automated colony counter. Data was analyzed using Fisher’s Exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used for statistical comparisons (α=0.05). Results: Dentin pretreatment for 4 weeks with 5, 50 or 500 mg/mL of DAP demonstrated significantly higher residual antibacterial effects and complete eradication of E. faecalis biofilms in comparison to a 1 week pretreatment with similar concentrations. However, dentin pretreated with 1 mg/mL of DAP or Ca(OH)2 did not provide a substantial residual antibacterial effect regardless of the application time. Conclusion: Dentin treated with 500, 50, or 5 mg/mL of DAP for 4 weeks was able to completely prevent the colonization of bacterial biofilm. Four-week treatment of dentin with DAP offers superior residual antibacterial effect in comparison to a one-week treatment. Intracanal application of DAP for 4 weeks during endodontic regeneration may offer an extended residual antibacterial effect.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Indiana University School of Dentistry Indiana University Endodontic Department / The residual antibacterial effects of antimicrobials used in endodontic regeneration against biofilm bacteria obtained from immature and mature teeth Jordon C. Jacobs DDS, Richard L Gregory PhD, Ygal Ehrlich DMD, Kenneth Spolnik DDS, MS, Josef S. Bringas DMD, DDS, MS, and Ghaeth Yassen BDS, MSD, PhD We explored the residual antibacterial properties of dentin pretreated with low concentrations of double antibiotic paste (DAP) against biofilm bacteria obtained from different clinical sources. Dentin blocks were sterilized and randomized into 4 treatment groups and 2 control groups (n=20). Blocks from treatment groups were pretreated with DAP (1 or 5 mg/ml) loaded into methylcellulose, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), or methylcellulose paste. After one week, the treatment pastes were removed and all blocks were immersed in PBS. The dentin blocks from treatment groups and one of the control groups were then inoculated with bacterial isolates obtained from immature or mature teeth with pulpal necrosis(n=10). The remaining control group received no bacteria and was used as a sterile control. Blocks were then incubated anaerobically for 3 weeks. Biofilm disruption assays were conducted for all samples. Two-way ANOVA and pair-wise comparisons were used for statistical analyses. The residual antibacterial effect of dentin pretreated with 5 mg/ml of DAP was significantly higher than all other groups regardless of the source of biofilm. Dentin pretreated with 1 mg/ml of DAP demonstrated significantly higher residual antibacterial effects in comparison to dentin pretreated with placebo paste and Ca(OH)2 only in bacterial isolates obtained from mature teeth with pulpal necrosis. Dentin pretreated with Ca(OH)2 did not demonstrate any residual antibacterial effects. Dentin pretreated with 1 or 5 mg/ml of DAP demonstrated significantly better residual antibacterial effects against biofilm bacteria obtained from mature teeth with pulpal necrosis in comparison to bacterial isolates obtained from immature teeth with pulpal necrosis.

We investigated the antibacterial effect of low concentrations of double antibiotic paste (DAP) loaded into a methylcellulose system against bacterial biofilms obtained from mature and immature teeth with necrotic pulps. Standardized radicular dentin specimens were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 20). Group 1: 5mg/mL DAP treatment. Group 2: 1mg/mL DAP treatment. Group 3: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) treatment. Group 4: Methylcellulose. Group 5: No treatment. Group 6: No bacteria or treatment. Clinical bacterial isolates were obtained from mature and immature teeth with necrotic pulps indicated for endodontic regeneration or routine endodontic treatment, respectively. Specimens in each group were inoculated with either bacterial isolates (n = 10) and incubated anaerobically for 3 weeks. Specimens were then treated for one week with the assigned group treatment. Treatments were rinsed with sterile saline and biofilms were detached and spiral plated using biofilm disruption assays. Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests followed by pair-wise comparisons were used for statistical analyses. Treatment of infected dentin with 1 mg/ml of DAP, 5 mg/mL of DAP, and Ca(OH)2 demonstrated significant and substantial antibiofilm effects in comparison to untreated control groups or groups treated with placebo paste. Furthermore, 1 mg/mL of DAP caused complete eradication of biofilm obtained from mature tooth with necrotic pulp. However, the same concentration was not able to completely eradicate biofilm obtained from the immature tooth with necrotic pulp. Low concentrations of DAP (1-5 mg/mL) loaded into a biocompatible methylcellulose system demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against biofilm obtained from both mature and immature teeth with necrotic pulps.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI); Graduate Endodontics, Masters degree thesis / We evaluated the antibacterial stability (shelf life) of a new radiopaque double antibiotic paste (RoDAP) loaded in a methylcellulose system with 30% w/v barium sulfate against biofilm collected from an immature tooth with necrotic pulp. Uniform radicular dentin specimens were infected with bacterial biofilm obtained from an immature tooth with a necrotic pulp and incubated anaerobically for three weeks. These samples were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups (n=7) and treated for 1 week at three time points of aged radiopaque DAP: 0 months, 3 months, and 6 months. Group 1: 1mg/mL RoDAP treatment. Group 2: 10 mg/mL RoDAP treatment. Group 3: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) treatment. Group 4: Methylcellulose with barium sulfate. Group 5: No treatment. Group 6: No bacteria or treatment. The samples were rinsed with sterile saline to detach biofilms and then spiral plated using a biofilm disruption assay. Statistical analyses were performed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests with fixed effects for treatment, time, and the treatment-by-time interaction. Treatment of infected dentin with 1 mg/mL RoDAP, 10 mg/mL RoDAP, and Ca(OH)2 demonstrated significant and substantial antibiofilm effects in comparison to untreated control groups or groups treated with placebo paste after 0, 3, and 6 months of aging. Calcium hydroxide, however, showed slightly less antibiofilm activity after 6 months of aging when compared to 0 months and 3 months of aging. This difference was statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, both concentrations of RoDAP maintained full antibacterial efficacy after 6 months of aging, while calcium hydroxide lost some antibacterial activity after a shelf life of 6 months.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Introduction: Regenerative endodontic procedures require adequate disinfection of immature teeth with necrotic pulps. Regeneration endodontic procedures have been shown to increase width and length of dentin after disinfection of the root canal system with various antibiotic pastes such as double antibiotic paste (DAP). DAP is composed of an equal ratio of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin. After the root canal system is disinfected with DAP, it is later flushed out with 17-percent EDTA. There is a need for a radiopaque component in the DAP to facilitate proper placement. Following disinfection with DAP, a residual antibacterial effect is formed in dentin. It is not known if this effect is modified by making DAP radiopaque. Objectives: The residual antibacterial effects of a radiopaque double antibiotic paste against a bacterial isolate obtained from an immature tooth with necrotic pulp on radicular dentin will be explored utilizing various strengths of DAP (1 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, and 25 mg/mL) after 1 week and 4 weeks. Materials and Methods: Dentin samples of 4x4-mm will be prepared from previously extracted human posterior teeth. The samples will be assigned to seven treatment groups in a random fashion (G1 will be treated with 25-, G2-10, and G3-1 mg/mL of radiopaque DAP. G4 will be treated with the radiopaque filler without DAP. G5 will be treated with Ca(OH)2 and G6 sterile water with bacterial biofilm, and G7 will be sterile water). The groups will be treated for both 1 week 4 weeks. These samples will then be stored in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution for 1 week and then inoculated with the cultured bacterial isolate from an immature tooth with necrotic pulp. The specimens will be incubated for three weeks to permit adequate formation of a biofilm. The biofilm will be detached, diluted and spirally plated onto blood agar plates and incubated for a total of 48 hours in 5-percent CO2 at 37°C. The number of CFUs/mL will be counted using an automated colony counter. A two way ANOVA and Fisher’s Protected Least Significant Differences test using 5-percent significance level will be used to evaluate the resulting data. Expected outcome: A residual antibacterial effect will be observed on radicular dentin samples when treated with radiopaque DAP. Conclusion: Using a radiopaque DAP that provides residual antibacterial effects, further awareness into regenerative endodontic procedures will be gained leading to alterations in treating such cases. / 2020-06-30

Low concentrations (1-10mg/mL) of double antibiotic paste (DAP) have demonstrated antibacterial properties in regenerative endodontics. The aim of this study was to evaluate if DAP made radiopaque (RoDAP) with barium sulfate has antibacterial effects against bacterial isolates from a mature and immature tooth with necrotic pulp. Clinical bacterial isolates were obtained from the canals of mature and immature teeth with necrotic pulps during root canal therapy or a regenerative procedure, respectively. Bacterial isolates were grown anaerobically for three weeks on 4x4mm dentin specimens prepared from extracted human teeth (n=48 per biofilm type). The dentin specimens were allocated into six groups and treated as follows: 1mg/mL RoDAP, 10mg/mL RoDAP, calcium hydroxide (UltraCal), placebo (barium sulfate in methylcellulose), no treatment, and no bacteria or treatment (sterile control). After one week of treatment the biofilm was detached and biofilm disruption assays were conducted to determine the bacterial numbers (CFUs/mL). The data was analyzed using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests followed by pairwise comparisons. 1 and 10 mg/mL RoDAP as well as calcium hydroxide demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against the tested bacterial isolates. The placebo paste did not demonstrate any significant antibacterial effects. No significant difference in antibacterial effects was found against isolates from both mature and immature teeth regardless of the type of treatment. Both 1 and 10 mg/mL RoDAP demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against bacterial isolates from mature and immature teeth with necrotic pulps. RoDAP can be beneficial clinically since its adequate placement within the canal system can be confirmed radiographically.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The effects of hydroxyapatite in a DAP-loaded MC carrier on dental pulp stem cells Introduction: Regenerative endodontic procedures (REP) require disinfection techniques to eliminate bacteria from the infected immature root canal system and promote new growth of the pulp-dentin complex. Double antibiotic paste (DAP), a mixture of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, has shown efficacy in doing so while minimizing cytotoxicity on dental pulp stem cells (DPSC). Stem cells, scaffolding, and growth factors are necessary in the maturation, proliferation, and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into the root canal system. Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) has a history of biocompatibility and, in addition, has shown promising effects as a tissue bioengineering material. Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the proliferation and mineralization of DPSC in the presence of 1% DAP and methylcellulose (MC) with varying concentrations of nano-hydroxyapatite. Materials and Methods: DPSC were plated in 24-well plates containing culture media. The next day, semi-permeable 0.1 mm Transwell chambers were inserted into the wells to separate the reservoirs for medicaments. Treatment paste composed of methylcellulose containing 1% DAP with either 0.25%, 0.50%, or 1.0% nano-hydroxyapatite was added along with culture media. Methylcellulose alone and calcium hydroxide (Ultracal) were used as control groups. After 3 days, cells were evaluated for cytotoxic effects using an MTS proliferation assay (n = 10, in triplicate). DPSCs were also cultured with these medicaments for 7 days in osteogenic media and evaluated for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization activity (n = 13, in triplicate). Comparisons between groups for differences in mineralization, BSA, and ALP activity were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), with different variances allowed for each group and a random effect included in the model to account for correlation within each of the three trials. A simulation-based model was used to adjust for multiple comparisons. Results: Addition of n-HA treatment groups increased mineralization significantly greater than calcium hydroxide, with MC alone and MC+DAP+0.5% HA providing the greatest effect. Regarding ALP, all HA concentrations performed significantly greater than MC and DAP concentrations. Proliferation demonstrated similar metabolic activity in all experimental groups with few comparisons significant. Conclusion: The challenge in REPs is to maintain survival, and preferably promote the proliferation and development of DPSCs into the pulp-dentin complex with a consistent treatment outcome. The combination of DAP with hydroxyapatite may allow for both disinfection and improved mineralization and cellular differentiation. This contribution has shown significant ability to increase stem cell differentiation into an osteogenic lineage as well as calcium deposition, indicating end goal results of regenerative procedures.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Introduction: Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) are a type of endodontic treatment aimed at replacing damaged tooth structures, including dentin and root structures, as well as cells of the pulp-dentin complex. Double antibiotic paste (DAP) has been shown to be efficacious in achieving disinfection of the root canal system while minimizing cytotoxicity to dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Hydroxyapatite (HA) is an extracellular, mineralized component of bone that has shown much promise as a scaffold in the field of regenerative medicine. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of HA in a DAP loaded methylcellulose (MC) carrier on the differentiation and mineral deposition of DPSC over time. Materials and Methods: DPSCs were plated in 24-well plates with culture media. The following day, semi-permeable 0.1 m chambers were inserted into the wells to separate the reservoirs and permit delivery of medicaments. 100 L treatment paste composed of MC with 1% DAP and either 0.5% or 1.0% nano-HA was added, followed by additional culture media. After 3 days of treatment, medicaments were removed and DPSCs were cultured for an additional 9 days with replacement of media every 3-4 days. At Day 12, DPSCs were evaluated for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity using a biochemical assay and mineral deposition using an Alizarin Red S Ca2+ staining assay (4 wells/group). Comparisons between groups were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a 5% significance level used for all tests. Results: A trend towards increased ALP and mineral deposition activity was noted among the groups with HA added to DAP with MC. Although these trends were not statistically significant, a trend towards increased ALP and mineral deposition was observed after 3-day medicament exposure. The results were similar to previous findings using 7-day medicament treatments. Conclusion: The addition of HA showed a trend towards improved differentiation and mineral deposition of DPSCs compared to DAP with MC. Although additional studies are required, these results showed suggest that even with a shortened treatment time, increased differentiation and mineral deposition of DPSCs may be possible. This study provides additional support that low concentration DAP in a MC carrier has potential application in regenerative endodontic procedures. The novel addition of HA may provide additional osteogenic potential.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Endodontic regeneration treatment of necrotic immature teeth has gained popularity in recent years. The approach suggests a biological alternative to induce a continuous root development. In this project, three in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of three medicaments used in endodontic regeneration on mechanical properties and chemical structure of radicular dentin. In the first experiment, we investigated longitudinally the effect of medicaments on the indentation properties of the root canal surface of immature teeth using a novel BioDent reference point indenter. A significant difference in the majority of indentation parameters between all groups was found after one-week and one-month application of medicaments (p<0.0001): triple antibiotic paste (TAP) > double antibiotic paste (DAP) > control > calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]. The four-week exposure of dentin to TAP and DAP caused 43% and 31% increase in total indentation distance outcome, respectively. In the second experiment, we investigated longitudinally the effect of medicaments on the chemical structure of immature radicular dentin by measuring the phosphate/amide I ratios of dentin using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Phosphate/amide I ratios were significantly different between the four groups after one week, two weeks and four week application of medicaments (p<0.0001): Ca(OH)2-treated dentin > untreated dentin > DAP-treated dentin > TAP-treated dentin. In the third experiment, we investigated longitudinally the effect of medicaments on root fracture resistance and microhardness of radicular dentin. For the microhardness, the two-way interaction between group and time was significant (p<0.001). TAP and DAP caused a significant and continuous decrease in dentin microhardness after one and three month application, respectively. The three-month intracanal application of Ca(OH)2 significantly increased the microhardness of root dentin. The time factor had a significant effect on fracture resistance (p<0.001). All medicaments caused significant decrease in fracture resistance ranging between 19%-30% after three month application compared to one week application. The three medicaments used in endodontic regeneration caused significant change in the chemical integrity of the superficial radicular dentin and significantly affected the indentation properties of the root canal surface. Furthermore, the three month intracanal application of medicaments significantly reduced the fracture resistance of roots.