Clinical trials

This research study is being done to find out if a natural ingredient called frankincense can clean infected root canals as effectively as the standard cleaning solution currently used in dentistry. When a tooth's nerve dies from infection, dentists use a strong cleaning liquid, called sodium hypochlorite, to kill bacteria inside the tooth before filling it. This liquid works well, but it can sometimes irritate the gums or taste unpleasant. Frankincense, a natural substance long used in Oman, has shown early signs in laboratory studies that it may also fight bacteria effectively, with fewer side effects. In this study, patients needing root canal treatment for an infected, dead tooth will be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will have their tooth cleaned with the standard liquid. The other group will have their tooth cleaned with the frankincense-based liquid. Before and after cleaning, a small, painless sample will be taken from inside the tooth to measure how much bacteria is present, using a lab test called PCR. The results from both groups will then be compared to see which cleaning liquid removes more bacteria. Patients who are between 18 and 50 years old, and who need root canal treatment for a dead/infected tooth, may be able to join. The study involves no extra visits beyond normal root canal treatment.