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Osmolarity and root canal antiseptics.
G Rossi-Fedele1, A R Guastalli
1Warwick Dentistry, The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
International Endodontic Journal
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Hyperosmotic root canal medicaments may aid disinfection, but osmolarity does not affect sodium hypochlorite
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Antiseptics are crucial for root canal disinfection.
- Osmotic shock can impact microbial cell viability.
- The role of osmolarity in antiseptic action requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the influence of osmolarity on antiseptic performance in endodontic treatments.
- To evaluate the impact of osmotic pressure on root canal disinfection efficacy.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search of Medline and hand searches was performed up to May 2013.
- Included studies focused on osmolarity's effect on endodontic antiseptics.
- Publications comparing different osmolarity values were prioritized.
Main Results:
- Limited evidence suggests hyperosmotic medicaments may enhance root canal disinfection.
- Osmolarity does not appear to influence the tissue dissolution capabilities of sodium hypochlorite.
- Data on the role of hypo-osmosis in disinfection is insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Hyperosmotic root canal medicaments show potential as disinfectants.
- Sodium hypochlorite's tissue-dissolving action is independent of osmolarity.
- Further research is needed to understand hypo-osmosis and osmosis in endodontics.
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