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European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry  —  Vol. 34, Issue 2 (May 2026) ← Back to issue
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A Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness ofnitrofurantoin and silver nanoparticles withchlorhexidine on the microhardness of root canal dentin–anin vitrostudy

DOI: 10.1922/ejprd.v34i2.1362
Keywords

dentin, hardness test, intracanal medicament, silver nanoparticles, nitrofurantoin, chlorhexidine

Authors

Dr. Pradeep Kumar, MDS
Additional Professor, Dept. Of Conservative
Dentistry and Endodontics, Yenepoya Dental
College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
Deralakatte,
Mangalore.
Email:
drkumars8@gmail.com Orcid: 0000-00015001-2454

Dr. Riza Farooq, MDS
Former Postgraduate, Dept. Of Conservative
Dentistry and Endodontics, Yenepoya Dental
College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
Deralakatte,
Mangalore.Email:
drshriz.4s@gmail.com
Orcid: 0009-00052867-6760

Dr. Jayaprakash K., MSc PhD
Reader, Dept. Of Dental Materials, Yenepoya
Dental College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be
University) Deralakatte, Mangalore. Email:
jayanperla@gmail.com
Orcid:
00000002-4607-895X

Dr. Sreegowri, MDS
Additional Professor, Dept. Of Conservative
Dentistry and Endodontics, Yenepoya Dental
College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
Deralakatte,
Mangalore.
Email:
bhatsreegowri@gmail.com Orcid: 0000-00024205-1784

Dr. S. Vidhyadhara Shetty, MDS
Professor and Head, Dept. Of Conservative
Dentistry and Endodontics, Yenepoya Dental
College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
Deralakatte,
Mangalore.
Email:
drsvshetty@gmail.com Orcid: 0000-00028432-1906

Dr. Prathap M. S., MDS
Professor, Dept. Of Conservative Dentistry
and Endodontics, Yenepoya Dental College,
Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
Deralakatte,
Mangalore.
Email:
prathapmsnair@gmail.com
Orcid: 00000002-2647-9553
Corresponding Author: Dr. Sreegowri
*Additional Professor, Dept. Of Conservative
Dentistry and Endodontics, Yenepoya Dental
College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
Deralakatte, Mangalore.
E-mail address: bhatsreegowri@gmail.com

Received: 12/10/2025
Revised: 11/02/2026
Accepted: 16/04/2026

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34
(2),178-185

A Comparative evaluation of
the effectiveness of
nitrofurantoin and silver
nanoparticles with
chlorhexidine on the
microhardness of root canal
dentin – an in vitro study

Abstract

Context: Disinfecting the root canal system is incredibly challenging due to its complications, as well as the presence of multiple varieties of canal microflora. Irrigation followed by placement of intracanal medicaments helps combat the microbes present in the intricate areas of the endodontic space. Aim: This study evaluated and compared the effects of nitrofurantoin and silver nanoparticles with chlorhexidine on radicular dentin microhardness when used as an intracanal medicament. Methods and material: Decoronation of thirty single-rooted teeth was achieved, and canal enlargement was accomplished using F3 rotary Protaper files. Roots were sectioned transversely into three segments using self-cure acrylic resin. Depending on the intracanal medication utilised, samples were split into three groups at random. Group 1: Silver nanoparticles with chlorhexidine, Group 2: Nitrofurantoin and Group 3: Control group (Triple antibiotic paste). Baseline dentin microhardness values were recorded using Vickers hardness tester. After seven days posttreatment, dentin microhardness was recorded.a Statistical analysis: One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey were used to analyse the data. Results: Radicular dentin microhardness reduced significantly after placement of intracanal medicaments. Silver nanoparticles with chlorhexidine showed a lesser reduction in dentin microhardness compared to nitrofurantoin and triple antibiotic paste. Conclusion: Although the medicaments reduced the dentin microhardness, their potential clinical benefits, such as efficacy against the varied microflora seen in infected root canals, can occasionally outweigh the disadvantages.

Introduction

Root canal instrumentation involves the combined utilisation of endodontic instruments and irrigating solutions to remove existing organic and inorganic debris resulting from the operative procedures, as well as to reduce microbial content and its by-products.1 Intracanal medicaments also have a significant part in disinfecting the root canal. Intracanal medicaments are mainly used in multi-appointment endodontic treatments to minimise microbial growth between visits.2 Calcium hydroxide stands out as the most frequently utilised intracanal medicament. However, its antibacterial efficacy has been questioned due to several factors like the buffering action of dentin, the resistance of E. faecalis, low solubility and diffusibility.3 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org- Published by Riset Publishing Services LLC.

EJPRD

Copyright © 2026 by Riset Publishing Services LLC

Article Information
Pages
178 – 185
Cover Date
May 2026
Volume
34
Issue
2
Electronic ISSN
2396-889