pH changes at the surface of root dentin when using root canal sealers containing calcium hydroxide

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Root canal sealers containing calcium hydroxide are used in endodontic therapy.
• The potential for these sealers to create an alkaline environment on the root surface is of clinical interest, particularly for treatments like root resorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate long-term pH changes in root dentin cavities after root canal obturation.
• To evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide-containing root canal sealers on root surface pH.

Main Methods:

• Fifty human single-rooted teeth were used, with root canals obturated with gutta-percha and one of four calcium hydroxide-containing sealers (Sealapex, Sealer 26, Apexit, CRCS) or left as a control.
• Cavities were prepared in the cervical and middle root dentin.
• pH measurements were taken in these cavities over 120 days.

Main Results:

• No significant increase in pH was observed in the dentinal cavities of teeth treated with calcium hydroxide-containing sealers.
• The pH changes in the sealer-treated groups were similar to the untreated control group.
• The root surface pH did not become alkaline with the use of these sealers.

Conclusions:

• Calcium hydroxide-containing root canal sealants do not induce an alkaline pH at the root surface.
• These sealers, while suitable for obturation, do not contribute to treatments for root resorption that rely on an alkaline environment.