Comparative clinical and radiographical evaluation of Pulpectomies using obturating material with and without neem Gel in primary molars: split-mouth randomized controlled trial

Title: COMPARATIVE CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHICAL EVALUATION OF PULPECTOMIES USING OBTURATING MATERIAL WITH AND WITHOUT NEEM GEL IN PRIMARY MOLARS: SPLIT-MOUTH RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Preservation of the primary tooth in its healthy state should be the goal of every pediatric dentist. Primary teeth are considered the best space maintainers hence, they should be retained for a longer duration to maintain their functions. Reversible pulpitis in primary teeth is treated with vital pulp therapy. Pulpectomy is one of the preferred treatment modalities indicated in teeth with pulpal necrosis, chronic pulpitis, and accidental exposure of the pulp. It is a more conservative approach to prevent the premature loss of primary teeth. The success of the pulpectomy depends on adequate access, cleaning and shaping, and good quality obturation. In deciduous teeth, materials having antimicrobial, resorbability, noninflammatory and nonirritating, and radiopacity for visualization on radiograph qualities are widely utilized as root canal filling materials to increase the likelihood that the endodontic treatment will be successful.

Endoflas is a material that encompasses the desirable properties of  zinc oxide eugenol, calcium hydroxide, and iodoform. It is hydrophilic, firmly adheres to the surface of the root canal walls, and has the ability to disinfect the dentinal tubule. Endoflas is associated with certain disadvantages, like periapical irritation and tooth discoloration, due to the presence of eugenol as a component.

To overcome these disadvantages of the currently available primary root canal obturating materials, there is a continued interest in the search for chemical compounds with broader and more effective antibacterial action and less cytotoxicity.

Herbal products are gaining popularity in dentistry due to their biocompatibility, higher antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

One such ancient herb that has received enormous scientific attention is Azadirachta indicia A. Juss (A. indica), commonly known as Neem, which has attracted worldwide importance in recent years. It has a wide range of medicinal properties, like, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-ulcer, and anti-inflammatory.

Therefore, this current study is designed to compare the clinical and radiographic success of Endoflas with neem gel and Endoflas as an obturating material in primary molars.