Calcium hydroxide

About: Calcium hydroxide is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 7819 publications have been published within this topic receiving 98947 citations. The topic is also known as: slaked lime & Calcium hydrate.

The antibacterial effect of camphorated paramonochlorophenol, camphorated phenol and calcium hydroxide in the treatment of infected root canals

Abstract: The bactericidal efficacy of calcium hydroxide, camphorated phenol and camphorated paramonochlorophenol as intracanal dressings was evaluated clinically when the root canals of 65 single-rooted teeth with periapical lesions were treated. A bacteriological technique that could detect even small numbers of anaerobic bacteria in the canals was used. After treatment, including intracanal dressing with calcium hydroxide paste (Calasept), bacteria were recovered from one of 35 treated root canals. After use of camphorated phenol or camphorated paramonochlorophenol as the dressing, bacteria were recovered from 10 of 30 treated root canals. The isolated bacteria were predominantly Gram-positive and anaerobic. There was no indication that specific bacteria were resistant to the treatment. The results indicate that the endodontic treatment of infected root canals can be completed in two appointments when calcium hydroxide paste is used as an intracanal dressing.

Long-term calcium hydroxide as a root canal dressing may increase risk of root fracture.

Abstract: It has been proposed (Cvek 1992) that immature teeth are weakened by filling of the root canals with calcium hydroxide dressing and gutta-percha. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that dentin in contact with calcium hydroxide would show a reduction in fracture strength after a certain period of time. Immature mandibular incisors from sheep were extracted and divided into two experimental groups. Group 1: the pulps were extirpated via the apical foramen. The root canals were then filled with calcium hydroxide (Calasept) and sealed with IRM(R) cement, and the teeth were then stored in saline at room temperature for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Group 2: the pulps were extirpated and the root canals were filled with saline and sealed with IRM(R) cement. The teeth were then stored in saline for 2 months. Intact teeth served as controls and were tested immediately after extraction. All teeth were tested for fracture strength in an Instron testing machine at the indicated observation periods. The results showed a markedly decrease in fracture strength with increasing storage time for group 1 (calcium hydroxide dressing). The results indicate that the fracture strength of calcium hydroxide-filled immature teeth will be halved in about a year due to the root filling. The finding may explain the frequent reported fractures of immature teeth filled with calcium hydroxide for extended periods.

Mechanisms of antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide: a critical review.

Abstract: Literature review The primary function of calcium hydroxide as a routine intracanal medicament is to provide antimicrobial activity. However, the mechanisms of antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide are not well known. Physicochemical properties of this substance may limit its effectiveness in disinfecting the entire root canal system. In addition, calcium hydroxide is not effective against all bacterial species found in root canal infections. Association with other medicaments may enhance the efficacy of the intracanal medication in eliminating residual bacteria in the root canal system.

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.