Evaluation of the Aloe Vera Anti-inflammatory Effect on Apical Periodontitis.

After recording pre-operative pain level using 10-pont VAS, anesthetization, the caries lesion was removed and the tooth isolated with rubber dam (Sanctuary). The missing walls of the tooth was restored using composite resin to ensure proper isolation and seal. Then with sterile burs, access cavity preparation was done.

Patency was gained and the canal was flushed with 3ml of saline to remove any debris in the canal that will interfere with the paper points and ensure accurate electronic apex locator reading. Then working length was measured by K files using electronic apex locator for accuracy and confirmed with periapical radiograph.

The canal was then dried to the working length with paper points then the first sample (S1) was taken by 3 paper points depending on the size of the initial file extended beyond the apical foramen 1-2mm and left in place for 30 sec using digital stopwatch. The collected sample was placed in Eppendorf tube and stored at -20°C for further analysis following the ELISA manufacture instructions ( Elabscience® Human IL-1β(Interleukin 1 Beta) ELISA Kit).

Chemo-Mechanical preparation of the canal was done using rotary files and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite diluted 1:1. The canal was dried using paper points then filled with Aloe Vera, calcium hydroxide or no medication depending on the subjects grouping, giving that G1 (n=11) of no medication, G2 (n=11) filled with Ca(OH)₂ while G3 (n=11) filled with aloe vera paste. The access cavity was sealed using sterile teflon and 2mm of composite resin.

At 24h,48h post intra-canal medication placement, pain level was recorded. At the second visit 14 days postoperatively, the canal was flushed with saline to remove the ICM and dried using paper points then sample 2 (S2) was collected following the same procedures as S1 then master cone adjustment and obturation were done.

After collecting samples from all patients, the samples were evaluated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

Inclusion criteria

• Both genders.
• Older than the age of 18 years.
• Medically free patients.
• Participants should be willing to commit for the entire period of the trial and agreed to sign the written informed consent after complete explanation of the study protocol.
• Participants with single rooted necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis, symptomatic (Visual analogue scale "VAS" and pain on percussion) or Asymptomatic (Radiographic evidence of apical periodontitis).

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of Allergic reaction.
• Participants taking antibiotics or NSAIDs.
• Severely curved root.
• Endodontically treated teeth.
• Teeth with open apices.