Pulp tissue dissolution capacities of two hypochlorite-based irrigants at different temperatures: an in vitro study

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Effective pulp tissue removal is critical for root canal treatment success.
• Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a standard irrigant, but concerns exist regarding its stability and cytotoxicity.
• Calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)₂) is explored as a potentially more stable and biocompatible alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the pulp tissue dissolution capacity of NaOCl and Ca(ClO)₂.
• To evaluate the effect of varying temperatures on the efficacy of these irrigants.

Main Methods:

• Standardized bovine pulp tissues were exposed to distilled water, 5.25% NaOCl, and 5.25% Ca(ClO)₂.
• Irritants were tested at 24°C, 36°C, and 60°C.
• Tissue dissolution was quantified after 15 minutes of irrigation with sonic activation.

Main Results:

• Both NaOCl and Ca(ClO)₂ demonstrated significantly greater pulp tissue dissolution than distilled water (P < 0.001).
• No significant difference in dissolution capacity was found between NaOCl and Ca(ClO)₂ (p = 0.178).
• Increased temperature significantly enhanced dissolution for both irrigants, with the most pronounced effect at 60°C.

Conclusions:

• Temperature modulation can optimize endodontic irrigant protocols for enhanced tissue dissolution.
• Ca(ClO)₂ presents a viable alternative to NaOCl, especially when biocompatibility and stability are key considerations.