The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of two different intracanal medicaments used during regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) on periapical MMP-8 in relation to the radiological outcomes of RET. After local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation were provided, disinfection procedures were applied gently in accordance with the current RET protocol of American Association of Endodontics (AAE) on the molar teeth. Periapical tissue fluid samples were taken with paper points placed to protrude 2 mm from the distal root canal tip. Calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] was placed in 10 randomly selected teeth and double antibiotic paste (DAP) intracanal medicaments were placed in the other 10 teeth. Fourteen days later in the second session, the final sampling procedure was performed as in the first session. Then, the treatment was completed according to the current RET protocol of AAE and permanent restorations were made. The success of the treatment and its effect on root development were evaluated by comparing the standard radiographs taken at the end of the treatment and 12 months follow up. MMP-8 levels were measured by immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) in the periapical tissue fluid samples. First and second session MMP-8 levels were compared according to the groups of medicaments [Ca(OH)2 and DAP groups] placed in the root canals.
Two-session regenerative endodontic treatment was applied to 20 immature mandibular first molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis. At the end of the first session, calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] was applied to 10 randomly selected teeth and double antibiotic paste (DAP) intracanal medicaments were applied to the other 10 teeth. The effects of intracanal medicaments on periapical MMP-8 levels were determined by immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) in periapical tissue fluid samples taken from the distal root canal in the first and second sessions.