Calcium hydroxide medication in primary molars using different preparations and placement techniques: an in vitro...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Calcium hydroxide is a common intracanal medicament in primary teeth.
• Effective delivery of intracanal medicaments is crucial for successful endodontic treatment in primary molars.
• Different delivery techniques and preparations may influence the quality of calcium hydroxide placement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of various calcium hydroxide paste preparations and delivery techniques in primary molar root canals.
• To evaluate the quality of intracanal filling achieved by different methods.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-two extracted primary molars were divided into four groups.
• Root canals were prepared, and calcium hydroxide paste was delivered using either a lentulo spiral or a syringe.
• Two types of calcium hydroxide preparations were used: a mix of calcium hydroxide/distilled water and UltraCal XS.
• Digital radiographs assessed the quality and completeness of canal filling.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in the overall filled area of calcium hydroxide was observed between groups.
• The syringe technique resulted in significantly fewer air inclusions compared to the lentulo spiral when using a calcium hydroxide/distilled water mix.
• The completeness of obturation and apical filling quality were comparable across all groups.

Conclusions:

• The syringe technique offers a simpler method for delivering calcium hydroxide in primary molar root canals.
• While achieving similar filling quality, the syringe method demonstrates reduced porosity compared to the lentulo spiral.
• Both delivery techniques are viable, but the syringe may offer advantages in minimizing voids.