Quantitative assessment of the presence of calcium hydroxide remnants associated with different vehicles after removal of intracanal medication

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess, after removal, the presence of calcium hydroxide (CH) remnants associated with different vehicles in the cervical, medial and apical thirds. Methods: Forty-five bovine incisors were transversely sectioned at 18 mm from the apex. The canals were biomechanically prepared and received CH. The samples were divided into groups (n = 10): G1, saline solution; G2, CH (BP); G3, polyethylene glycol; G4, polyethylene glycol + CMPC; Negative control, no CH (n = 5). After 7 days, the medication was removed by means of mechanical action of files associated with saline solution irrigation, until the irrigating solution became transparent. The roots were longitudinally sectioned in half. Afterwards, they were photographed and the images were digitalized, allowing the calcium hydroxide remnants to be macroscopically quantified by the Image Tool ® software. Results: The statistic results reveal that all roots presented remnants from the medication within the canals. Saline solution presented a lower amount of remnants, however, it showed a higher concentration in the apical third.