Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to use Micro computed tomography (micro-CT) to evaluate the influence of the type of vehicle associated with calcium hydroxide on its ability to penetrate simulated lateral canals. Material and methods: 30 acrylic blocks with simulated lateral canals comprising apical, middle and cervical thirds were used in the in vitro study. The blocks were divided into 3 groups (n = 10) according to the type of vehicle used (chlorhexidine, distilled water and propylene glycol) in the calcium hydroxide slurry, which was inserted in the respective group of simulated canals with a K# 30 file and then agitated with an ultrasonic tip. The blocks were scanned by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) before and after insertion of the medication. The images obtained were reconstructed and analyzed to obtain the initial volume of lateral canals and the volume of medication that penetrated into them. Results: In the intragroup analysis, both distilled water and chlorhexidine 2% were observed to present statistical difference in all thirds of the canal. Propylene glycol showed no intragroup difference. In the inter-group analysis, the propylene glycol paste presented higher values of penetration into the simulated lateral canals than the other groups (p <0.05). Conclusion: Propylene glycol used as vehicle of the calcium hydroxide paste provided better penetration results in simulated lateral canals. KeywordsEndodontics; Calcium hydroxide; Propylene glycol.
Highlights
The purpose of endodontic therapy is to remove microorganisms, and prevent re-infection within root canal systems [1]
In the inter-group analysis, irrespective of the third analyzed, the group in which propylene glycol was used as vehicle was capable of better penetration into the lateral canal, with significant difference in comparison with the group that used Chlorhexidine as vehicle (p < 0.05)
The propylene glycol and distilled water group showed no significant differences between them (p > 0.05)
Summary
The purpose of endodontic therapy is to remove microorganisms, and prevent re-infection within root canal systems [1]. This is why the need for good chemicalmechanical preparation has been emphasized, previous studies have reported that instrumentation and irrigation only are insufficient for effectively reducing the microbial load in endodontic infection [2]. Calcium hydroxide is the preferred medication in endodontic treatment [1,2] This is due to its antimicrobial action, alkalizing effect, induction of mineralization and control of inflammatory root resorption, in addition to acting as a physical barrier, preventing the penetration of new microorganisms [3,4]. Calcium hydroxide is combined with different vehicles to enable it to penetrate into root canal systems and act in an effective manner [2]
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