Hypochlorite solution for root canal irrigation that lacks a chlorinated odor

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a standard irrigant in endodontics.
• A significant drawback of NaOCl is its pungent chlorine odor.
• Developing an odor-free alternative is crucial for patient comfort and operator experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate and evaluate a novel hypochlorite solution using trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCA) for root canal irrigation.
• To assess the stability, antibacterial efficacy, tissue dissolution, and cytotoxicity of the new formulation.
• To compare these properties against commercial sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions.

Main Methods:

• A new hypochlorite solution was prepared using trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCA) and a buffer.
• Stability, hypochlorite ion content, and pH were monitored over 4 weeks.
• Antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, bovine pulpal tissue dissolution, and cytotoxicity were evaluated in vitro.

Main Results:

• The TCA 3.5% + 1/6 Buffer-1 solution demonstrated short-term stability and maintained stable hypochlorite ion content and pH for 4 weeks.
• No chlorine odor was detected by independent observers.
• The new solution exhibited comparable tissue dissolution, antibacterial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis, and biocompatibility to commercial NaOCl solutions (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The developed TCA 3.5% + 1/6 Buffer-1 solution is a viable alternative for root canal irrigation.
• This formulation offers the significant advantage of lacking a detectable chlorine odor.
• It provides comparable performance to existing NaOCl irrigants in key endodontic parameters.