The American Association of Endodontists estimates that more than 15 million root canals are done each year. During the procedure, the tooth’s pulp and nerve are removed before the tooth is cleaned and sealed. In some cases bacteria, viruses, or yeasts contaminate the tooth which leads to additional follow up dental work having to be performed such as an additional root canal.
Researchers at the Indiana University School of Dentistry have developed an injectable antimicrobial gel that could disinfect a tooth during a root canal procedure. The gel has advantages over traditional medications used as antibacterial agents, including calcium hydroxide. The gel offers extended and significantly longer residual antibacterial properties. The gel is biocompatible and contains a low concentration of antimicrobial elements. The researchers feel that creating an antimicrobial space is important during clinical regenerative endodontic procedures.
The gel provides sustained antimicrobial properties even when it is removed. It has minimal toxic effects on stem cells and does not cause any tooth discoloration. The researchers hope to optimize a version of the gel that is opaque to X-rays and radiation. This can allow for the gel to be tracked within the root canal system. As of late 2017, the researchers are looking for commercial partners to continue developing the gel and help bring it to the marketplace.
For some past work on helping to advance root canal procedures see https://blog.teethremoval.com/root-canal-treatments-new-composite/ and https://blog.teethremoval.com/prefabricated-blood-vessels-may-revolutionize-root-canals/. One should do their best to avoid root canals in the first place by seeing a dentist regularly and staying on top of regular brushing and flossing.
Sources:
Jordon C. Jacobs and et al, Antibacterial Effects of Antimicrobials Used in Regenerative Endodontics against Biofilm Bacteria Obtained from Mature and Immature Teeth with Necrotic Pulps, Journal of Endodontics, vol. 43, issue 4, pp. 575, 2017.
M. A. Alghilan and et al, Attachment and proliferation of dental pulp stem cells on dentine treated with different regenerative endodontic protocols, International Endodontic Journal, vol. 50, issue 7, pp. 667, 2017.