Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Simvastatin as an Intracanal Medication

Successful endodontic treatment and a predictable outcome can only be achieved by effective root canal debridement, irrigation, and elimination of microorganisms . The outcome of endodontic treatment performed in controlled clinical environment has demonstrated success rate around 90%. In certain cases, endodontic treatment may fail, one of the most common reasons is inability to eliminate microorganisms from the root canal. When non-surgical root canal therapy fails, the treatment options include orthograde re-treatment, periradicular surgery, or extraction. Simvastatin (SIM) is a drug used primarily to treat hyperlipidemia and protect against cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown to possess pleiotropic effects such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and bone-forming properties . The side chain of this material has a single methyl group. It inhibits hydroxymethyl glutarylcoenzyme reductase that prevents endogenous cholesterol synthesis