Controlled Release of Drugs for Management of Pulpitis

Context: Biocompatible polymers are potentially effective for dental infections as delivery carriers of disinfectants or antibiotics into the root canal system (RCS). This study aimed to review polymeric microspheres enabling a controlled release of endodontic medicaments. Evidence Acquisition: A literature search was carried out in the PubMed database (May 2013) using the following keywords: "poly lactic-co-glycolic acid or PLGA", "polymer microplate", "encapsulate", "drug delivery", "controlled release", "antibiotic", "gentamycin", and "amoxicillin". We intended to find articles on the application of polymer microparticles for delivery and release of drugs in dental infections or articles discussing factors affecting the properties of these materials. Results: Seventeen articles were found evaluating the controlled release of the drugs for dental purposes; out of them, in 5 in vitro studies, polymer microspheres had been produced for root canal disinfection. Seven articles had investigated the properties of polymer microspheres and the factors influencing drug release by them. Conclusions: Drug-loaded polymer microspheres may be used successfully as delivery carriers for controlled release of antibiotics into the root canal system. The efficacy and success rate of this method must be tested in animal models and then clinical trials