Calcium hypochlorite solutions — An in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial action and pulp dissolution

Abstract

To compare the antimicrobial activity and tissue dissolution capacity of calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl) 2) solution with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution at 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.25% concentrations. Methods: To determine the inhibition halos produced by the tested substances against Enterococcus faecalis, the agar diffusion method was employed. Additionally, the broth contact method was used to determine the time required for the inhibition of E. faecalis. Bovine pulp fragments were used to test the dissolution. Half of the pulps were freely deposited samples in cell culture wells, and the remaining samples were fixed on bovine dentine bases. Results: For both Ca(OCl) 2 and NaOCl solutions, the greatest inhibition zones were observed at 5.25% concentration. However, the most significant inhibition zone was measured with 5.25% Ca(OCl) 2 solution (17.38 mm). Hypochlorite solutions at 2.5% and 5.25% concentrations required less time to inhibit E. faecalis than those at 0.5% and 1.0% concentrations (P<0.05). There was no difference in inhibition times between 2.5% and 5.25% hypochlorite solutions (P>0.05). The most effective hypochlorite solution concentrations were 5.25% and 2.5% for dissolving pulp fragments (P<0.05). Additionally, suspended pulp fragments were more susceptible to dissolution than fragments attached to dentine blocks (P<0.05), except for 0.5% Ca(OCl) 2. Conclusion: Ca(OCl) 2 solutions showed antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis and can dissolve pulp tissues. Future studies are warranted to examine the suitability of Ca(OCl) 2 in the chemico-mechanical preparation of the root canal system.

Mechanical activation with Easy Clean device enhanced organic tissue removal from simulated internal root resorption in a laboratory evaluation

“…There was a significant difference between the use of distilled water and NaOCl, in line with previous studies that demonstrated the tissue dissolution capacity of NaOCl [ 3 , 29 – 31 ]. It is essential to mention that the difference between the irrigation solutions tested could be higher if the exposure time to NaOCl were longer, as previous studies demonstrate a time-dependent effect on organic tissue dissolution by NaOCl [ 32 , 33 ].…”

The potential of a surface pre‐reacted glass root canal dressing for treating apical periodontitis in rats

“…NaOCl has been routinely used as a root canal irrigating solution for nonvital teeth with and without periapical lesions (Paula et al . 2019). However, complete healing in the periapical tissue was not achieved in this study with irrigation alone.…”

Effect of sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite on the apical sealing ability of endodontic sealers

“…In addition, it causes irreversible damage to dentin morphology 5 . Due to the inconveniences of NaOCl, new irrigation solutions are constantly investigated, with recent emphasis on calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl) 2 ] [6][7][8] . It is a granular powder, with a higher amount of available chlorine and greater chemical stability when compared to NaOCl 6,9 .…”