Additive and reducing Effects between Calcium Hydroxide and Current Irrigation Solutions

Microorganisms should be considered to have the major role in starting and perpetuation of pulpo-periapical diseases. Using intracanal medicaments is necessary to gain a bacteria-free environment in the canal system. Calcium hydroxide (abbreviated as Ca(OH)₂), which is the most commonly used medicament in endodontic therapy, has been shown to be effective against primary sources of infection; however, its effectiveness against some microorganisms, such as Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis has not been proved. On the other hand, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX), and iodine potassium iodide (IKI) have been shown to be the potent medicaments against these microorganisms. Because of this fact, combination of Ca(OH)₂ and some irrigants of the root canal has been suggested as potential intracanal medicaments. The aim of this literature review is to identify and address the efficacy of Ca(OH)₂ in combined with some of these irrigating solutions.