Combination of metformin and double antibiotic paste for the regeneration of non-vital immature teeth: a preliminary randomized clinical study

Abstract

Abstract Background The present study aimed to investigate whether incorporating metformin in double antibiotic paste (DAP) can promote the regeneration process of non-vital immature teeth. Methods Out of 32 pediatric patients undergoing regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs), 6 cases with a follow-up period of less than 12 months or lack of documentation were excluded then the remaining 26 were analyzed. 15 cases received DAP, and 11 cases received a DAP + metformin as the intra-canal medicament, kept for an average of 23 days. During 18 months of follow-up, clinical and radiographic examinations were performed to evaluate the treatment outcomes based on the resolution of apical periodontitis, root development, and the occurrence of intracanal calcification. The chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis (P < 0.05). Results All patients demonstrated resolution of apical periodontitis; however, complete apical closure was only seen in 50% of the patients. The rate of apical closure and root length was significantly higher in the DAP + metformin group (P = 0.047), although the two groups were not significantly different in terms of root width (P = 0.184). Canal obliteration was seen in 15% of cases, all of which were in the DAP group. Conclusions According to the present findings, metformin could promote root development in the regeneration process when incorporated in DAP. Trial registration This clinical trial was registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20200120046197N1) on 26.2.2021.