Comparison of anti-microbial efficacy of Calcipex and Metapex in endodontic treatment of chronic apical periodontitis- A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: To compare the anti-microbial effect of calcipex and metapex in endodontic treatment of teeth diagnosed with chronic apical periodontitis in reducing the microbial load (CFU/ml).
Methods: It is a Randomized controlled trial, conducted at the dental clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from Aug 2019- March 2021. 60 patients were included aged 16 years and above, diagnosed with chronic apical periodontitis. Endodontic treatment was initiated and patients randomized into one of the two study groups Calcipex or Metapex. Microbial samples were obtained before intracanal medicament placement (S1) and after medicament removal on 7^th day (S2). Microbial culture was done in lab and CFU/ml reported. Paired t-test was used to assess effects within groups of medicaments. Independent sample t-test was used to assess antimicrobial effect between groups.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between Calcipex and Metapex at S1 in terms of mean Colony Forming Units/ml (p=0.98). Similarly there was no statistically significant difference among the two, post medicament at S2. (p=0.30). Intra-group comparison of bacterial count reduction in both the groups was statistically significant after the intervention.(Group A:p value=0.05, Group B: p value=0.02).
Conclusions: According to the results, both Calcipex and Metapex are equally effective in reducing the microbial load in cases of chronic apical periodontitis.