The loss of camphorated monochlorophenol from the root canal: an in vitro study

The assessment of the loss of camphorated monochlorophenol (CMCP) was conducted by means of the spectrophotometric technique. Extracted human single-rooted teeth were used in this study. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups with ten teeth in each group. Root canals were enlarged with reamers and files. 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite and 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide were used as irrigants. The root canals were dressed with 2 microliters of 40 per cent CMCP. The coronal and apical portions of the teeth in groups 1, 2 and 3 were sealed and incubated at 37 degrees C with 100 per cent relative humidity for 1, 3 and 7 days, respectively. In group 4 the teeth were treated in a procedure similar to that performed in group 1, except that the root apices were not sealed. The results showed that there was no significant difference in residual concentrations of CMCP among four groups (P greater than 0.05). The loss of CMCP in excess of 50 per cent was recorded in 1 day, with no further loss at longer time intervals.