Quantitative measurements of the diffusion in vitro of some aldehydes in root canals of human teeth

Quantitative measurements with Schiff reagent of the diffusion of aldehydes from endodontically prepared teeth were performed as a function of time, quantity, and concentration of the inserted drug, repeated sealing of the drug in the root canal, the age of the tooth, and the site of the diffusion. The measurements are based on the reaction of aldehydes with Schiff reagent. All teeth were permeable to formaldehyde-containing drugs. Diffusion of the formaldehyde could be detected within 1 minute. The bulk of the inserted formaldehyde diffused through the apical third, but in young teeth (less than 20 years) the whole root surface was permeable. A 2 percent solution of glutaraldehyde, unlike 10 and 25 percent studies, tended to permeate through the dentin and cementum.