Is chlorhexidine an ideal vehicle for calcium hydroxide? A microbiologic review

Microorganisms play a major role in the initiation and perpetuation of pulpal and periapical disease. In order to predictably achieve a bacteria-free root canal system, it is necessary to use intracanal medicaments. Calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)] is the most common intracanal medicaments. It is effective against primary infections. However, its effectiveness against Enterococcus (E.) faecalis and Candida (C.) albicans is controversial. On the other hand, chlorhexidine (CHX) is a potent agent against E. faecalis and C. albicans. For this reason, the combination of Ca(OH)(2) and CHX has been suggested as an intracanal medicament. The purpose of this article was to review antimicrobial efficacy of Ca(OH)(2), CHX as well as their combination.