In Vitro Effect of Grape Seed Extract as an Intracanal Medication on the Mechanical Properties of Dentin

ABSTRACT

Objective:  To evaluate the mechanical properties of dentin under the effect of grape seed extract (GSE) as intracanal medication (ICM).

Material and Methods:  Ninety-six single-rooted bovine teeth were divided into groups, as follows: control group (Ctrl), without any dentin treatment; groups treated with Ca(OH)₂ (Ca7, Ca15 and Ca30); and GSE (GSE7, GSE15 and GSE30), with direct contact between dentin and ICM for different durations of 7, 15 and 30 days. The samples underwent tests of maximum fracture load (FL), flexural strength (σf), cohesive strength (σc), and elastic modulus (E) of the remaining root. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA was used, followed by Dunnett's test to verify whether ICMs interfere with dentin properties. Two-way ANOVA (ICM and application time) and Tukey's test were also used, considering the groups treated with different ICM at different intervals. All analyses were performed at p ≤ 0.050.

Results:  GSE had a less pronounced effect on dentin's mechanical properties compared to Ca(OH)₂. GSE showed less interference with FL (p=0.000), σf (p=0.002), and σc (p=0.000). It was observed that the duration of exposure to ICM had a negative impact on FL (p=0.002) and σc (p=0.031). ICM (p=0.080) and the application time (p=0.985) did not significantly affect E. Moreover, the application time of ICM did not have a significant impact on σf (p=0.169).

Conclusion:  Grape seed extract did not affect the mechanical properties of bovine dentin when used as intracanal medication.

Keywords:
Calcium Hydroxide; Dentistry; Flexural Strength; Grape Seed Extract; Root Canal Therapy.