Chlorhexidine as a canal irrigant: a review

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Root canal therapy relies on effective irrigants for cleaning and disinfection.
• Sodium hypochlorite is a long-standing primary irrigant in endodontics.
• Alternative irrigants are being explored to enhance root canal treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review chlorhexidine as a root canal irrigant.
• To explore the properties of chlorhexidine for endodontic use.
• To inform dental practitioners on irrigant selection.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of chlorhexidine's properties and applications in endodontics.
• Analysis of existing research on chlorhexidine efficacy and safety.
• Comparative assessment with traditional irrigants.

Main Results:

• Chlorhexidine exhibits antimicrobial properties beneficial for root canal disinfection.
• Its substantivity offers prolonged antimicrobial effect.
• Potential limitations and handling considerations are discussed.

Conclusions:

• Chlorhexidine presents a viable alternative irrigant in root canal therapy.
• Understanding its properties aids in informed clinical decision-making.
• Further research may clarify its optimal role alongside or as a replacement for sodium hypochlorite.