An examination of the effectiveness of removing Ca(OH)2 residues from the apical third of root canal walls using three different techniques

Abstract

Ca(OH)2 residues on the root canal walls affect the quality of obturation. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three different methods in removing these residues. The root canals of 30 premolars were prepared using the ProTaper system. The Ca(OH)2 paste was applied to the canal walls and left for 7 days. The samples were then divided into three groups, based on the method of removal of Ca(OH)2, as follows: Group I (NaOCl-EDTA for irrigation), Group II (irrigation + Canal Brush), and Group III (irrigation + NiTi file). The samples were then bisected buccolingually, and the surface area of the residue was measured using a stereomicroscopy (12× magnification) and AxioCam. Results. The most effective method was found to be irrigation + Canal Brush, followed by groups III and I. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion. In the Canal Brush in an effective way of removing (OH)2 residues, although its efficacy was not significantly different from the other methods.