The antimicrobial effect of calcium hydroxide as a short‐term intracanal dressing

Abstract

The antibacterial effect of calcium hydroxide as a short-term intracanal dressing was clinically evaluated by applying the medicament for 10 minutes or 7 days in root canals of teeth with periapical lesions. The results showed that the 7-day dressing efficiently eliminated bacteria which survived biomechanical instrumentation of the canal, while the 10-minute application was ineffective.

PCR identification of endodontic pathogens and DNA quantification in samples from teeth with posttreatment apical periodontitis

“…5,6 To overcome the limitations of chemomechanical procedures in disinfecting the entire root canal system, the use of an inter-appointment medication has been advocated. 6,7 However, in the present study intracanal dressing was not able to eliminate or reduce the target species investigated and did not reduce DNA concentration when compared with the initial sample. The present results are in clear agreement with those of Blome et al 25 They observed that a Ca(OH) 2 intracanal dressing placed for 14 days failed to achieve a further reduction of total bacterial counts when compared to the values observed immediately after chemo-mechanical preparation.…”

“…4 Most clinical trials evaluating the antibacterial effectiveness of intracanal procedures and the bacterial species persisting after treatment have been based on traditional culture-dependent methods. [5][6][7] Recent molecular biology studies have suggested that the microbiota in root-canal-treated teeth with apical periodontitis is more complex than previously shown by culture-dependent methods. 4,8 Bac-teria have been detected in almost all treated canal associated with persistent disease and a higher mean number of taxa per case has been observed.…”

“…Although a substantial reduction in intracanal microbial communities is usually reached after chemo-mechanical procedures with antimicrobial irrigants, it has been shown that predictable disinfection in most cases can only be achieved after an interappointment intracanal medication. [6][7] Calcium hydroxide is arguably the most used substance between treatment sessions, but studies have shown inconsistent results as to its efficacy in significantly enhancing disinfection. [6][7]10 Then intracanal dressing was used to test if the concentration of DNA and bacterial species that might have survived after chemo-mechanical preparation would decrease.…”

Factors influencing the diagnosis and management of teeth with pulpal and periradicular disease by general dental practitioners. Part 2

“…This material is most commonly recommended for use as an intracanal medicament and has been shown to work well in this role. 25,26 Ledermix paste was used by 27.8% of respondents. This paste consists of a tetracycline, demeclocycline, and a corticosteroid, triamcinolone and has been advocated as an intracanal medicament despite the fact that its antimicrobial spectrum is narrow.…”

Calcium hydroxide associated with a new vehicle: Psidium cattleianum leaf extracts. Tissue response evaluation

“…Sjögren et al 12 recommended using an interappointment medication to enhance the antibacterial effects of instrumentation, reducing bacterial count, and they proved that more than 7 days are required for its high efficacy. However, some microorganisms such as Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans are more resistant to Ca(OH) 2 .…”