Comparative evaluation of calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite on soft-tissue dissolution

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Biochemistry
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Investigating the efficacy of endodontic irrigants is crucial for effective root canal disinfection.
• Calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)(2)) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) are commonly used endodontic irrigants with varying tissue dissolution properties.
• Understanding the comparative dissolution rates is essential for optimizing clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the in vitro tissue-dissolution capabilities of different concentrations of calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)(2)) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).
• To evaluate the speed and extent of bovine muscle tissue dissolution by these irrigants over time.

Main Methods:

• Iodometric titration was used to determine the available chlorine concentration of each irrigant.
• Standardized bovine muscle tissue specimens were exposed to 5% and 10% Ca(OCl)(2) and 1.36% and 4.65% NaOCl solutions.
• Tissue weight loss was measured every 5 minutes for up to 60 minutes to assess dissolution rates.

Main Results:

• All solutions, except 5% Ca(OCl)(2) (99.4% dissolution), achieved complete tissue dissolution within 60 minutes.
• Chlorax (4.65% NaOCl) exhibited significantly faster tissue dissolution during the initial 35 minutes compared to Ca(OCl)(2) solutions (P < .05).
• No significant differences in tissue dissolution rates were observed among the solutions after 35 minutes.

Conclusions:

• 4.65% NaOCl (Chlorax) demonstrated superior initial tissue dissolution compared to Ca(OCl)(2) and 1.36% NaOCl.
• The differences in dissolution rates diminished over time, with all solutions showing comparable efficacy after 35 minutes.
• These findings provide valuable insights into the comparative performance of common endodontic irrigants.