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Apical leakage following root canal dressing with calcium hydroxide
R Holland1, A C Alexandre, S S Murata
1Department of Endodontics, UNESP Aracatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Endodontics & Dental Traumatology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Calcium hydroxide medication significantly reduced apical leakage in root canal fillings using the lateral condensation technique. This benefit persisted even after dentin removal, indicating enhanced sealing properties.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Apical leakage in root-filled teeth is a primary cause of endodontic treatment failure.
- The lateral condensation technique is a common method for root canal obturation.
- Calcium hydroxide is frequently used as an intracanal medicament due to its antimicrobial and tissue-dissolving properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide medication on apical leakage in root canals filled with the lateral condensation technique.
- To determine if the benefits of calcium hydroxide persist after instrumentation and dentin removal.
Main Methods:
- 120 extracted human teeth were prepared using reaming motion files.
- Half the teeth received a 3-day calcium hydroxide dressing.
- Teeth were obturated using lateral condensation and subjected to a 2% methylene blue dye vacuum infiltration test.
Main Results:
- Significantly less apical leakage (p<0.01) was observed in teeth treated with calcium hydroxide compared to control groups.
- This reduction in leakage remained evident even after removing 300 micrometers of dentin from the canal walls.
Conclusions:
- Calcium hydroxide medication enhances the sealing ability of root canals filled via lateral condensation.
- The use of calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament may improve the long-term prognosis of endodontic treatments by reducing apical leakage.