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Alkaline Material Effects on Roots of Teeth
Sowmya Shetty1, Sam L Kahler2, Bill Kahler3
1School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia. s.shetty@uq.edu.au.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 14, 2017
Summary
Alkaline dental materials like sodium hypochlorite (SH) and calcium hydroxide (CH)/MTA may weaken tooth roots. Further research is needed to fully understand these effects on root dentine mechanical properties.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Biomaterials engineering
- Endodontics
Background:
- Alkaline materials are widely used in dentistry, particularly in endodontic treatments.
- Sodium hypochlorite (SH) is a common irrigant, while calcium hydroxide (CH) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) are used as root canal dressings or filling materials.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential impact of these materials on the mechanical properties of root dentine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze existing literature on the effects of alkaline dental materials on the mechanical properties of tooth roots.
- To specifically investigate the influence of sodium hypochlorite (SH) irrigant and calcium hydroxide (CH)/MTA-based root canal materials on root dentine.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using specific MeSH terms related to alkaline materials and mechanical properties (e.g., "compressive strength", "elastic modulus").
- Studies published in English were included, focusing on in vitro investigations.
- A total of 49 articles were selected for review from an initial pool of 205 identified studies.
Main Results:
- Many in vitro studies suggest a correlation between the use of SH irrigant and reduced mechanical properties of root dentine.
- Similarly, contact with CH- or MTA-based sealers and root fillings was linked to diminished mechanical integrity of the root.
- However, recent findings suggest the relationship between alkaline materials and reduced mechanical properties may be more complex than previously thought.
Conclusions:
- While in vitro evidence points to potential negative effects of SH, CH, and MTA on root mechanical properties, the association is not definitively established.
- The complex interactions require further investigation using more sophisticated and clinically relevant experimental models.
- Future research should focus on elucidating the precise mechanisms and clinical implications of these findings.
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