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Treatment-dependent calcium diffusion from two sealers through radicular dentine
Ricardo Caicedo1, Dominick J Alongi, Nikhil K Sarkar
1Advanced Endodontics Course for Undergraduate Senior Students, Department of Periodontics, Endodontics, and Dental Hygiene, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Kentucky, USA.
General Dentistry
|June 17, 2006
Summary
Root canal irrigation with sodium hypochlorite and citric acid significantly increased calcium diffusion compared to sodium hypochlorite alone. This finding is crucial for understanding sealer performance and calcium release in endodontic treatments.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Calcium hydroxide-based sealers are commonly used in root canal therapy.
- Understanding the interaction between irrigants and sealers is vital for treatment success.
- Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and citric acid are standard endodontic irrigants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and citric acid irrigation on calcium diffusion.
- To compare calcium diffusion using a calcium hydroxide-based sealer versus a zinc oxide eugenol-based sealer.
- To evaluate the influence of irrigation protocols on calcium release from root canal sealers.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-eight single-rooted teeth were instrumented and divided into experimental (NaOCl + citric acid) and control (NaOCl only) groups.
- Teeth were obturated with either a calcium hydroxide-based sealer or a zinc oxide eugenol-based sealer.
- Calcium diffusion through radicular dentin was measured using spectrophotometry.
Main Results:
- Calcium diffusion was significantly higher in the experimental group (NaOCl + citric acid) compared to the control group for both sealer types (p < 0.05).
- The study demonstrated a clear effect of the combined irrigation regimen on enhancing calcium release.
- Both sealer types showed increased calcium diffusion when pre-irrigated with citric acid.
Conclusions:
- Pre-irrigation with citric acid following sodium hypochlorite enhances calcium diffusion from root canal sealers.
- This enhanced diffusion may influence the biological and therapeutic outcomes of root canal treatments.
- Further research should explore the clinical implications of increased calcium release on dentin remineralization and sealer bioactivity.