An In Vitro Comparison of Different Irrigants Used for the Removal of Calcium Hydroxide from Root Canal Walls

Abstract

Aim: This study was aimed to appraise the effectiveness of different activated irrigants in removing the inter appointment calcium hydroxide dressing from the walls of root canal system. Methodology: Forty single rooted premolars were collected and instrumented using ProTaper rotary files, followed by the application of calcium hydroxide dressing. After incubating for a week, the teeth were randomly allocated into four experimental groups (n= 10), based upon the irrigant used: saline, sodium hypochlorite, 70% ethanol, 10% citric acid. The sample teeth were then cleaved buccolingually and the amount of residual calcium hydroxide on the walls of root canal was assessed under a stereomicroscope with 40x magnification. Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn’s post hoc test compared the groups and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: None of the irrigants could completely get rid of calcium hydroxide from the root canals. Irrigation with 10% citric acid produced significantly cleaner canal walls, followed by 70% ethanol. There was no significant statistical difference between the saline and sodium hypochlorite groups. Conclusion: The present study denotes that citric acid and ethanol enhanced the cleansing of the root canal walls, leaving least amount of residual calcium hydroxide when compared to the commonly used irrigants such as saline and sodium hypochlorite