Incomplete calcium hydroxide removal from the root canal: a case report

The efficacy of three passive ultrasonic irrigation systems on intracanal medicament removal in a novel standardised three-dimensionally printed model

This study compared the efficacy of several passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) systems in removing intracanal medicament using 3-dimensionally printed root canal model assembled with dentin specimen. After the placement of the model in the agar container (37°C), the intracanal medicament was removed using three different PUI instruments including CK file, Irrisafe and Endosonic Blue. Then, the area coated by the medicament and the volumetric percentage of the remaining medicament was measured. Irrisafe and Endosonic Blue showed higher removal efficacy than CK and the control regarding both the coated area and remaining volume (p < 0.05). CK showed the lowest efficacy among the tested PUI systems (p > 0.05). Notably, Endosonic Blue group showed the smallest coated area among the tested groups (p < 0.05). Conclusively, PUI systems made of nickel-titanium alloy with small dimensions, such as Endosonic Blue, have advantages for the removal of intracanal medicaments from curved root canals.

The effects of root canal perforation repair materials on the bond strength of fiber posts

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide and bioceramics used in perforation repair on the bonding strength of fiber posts via a push-out test.

METHODOLOGY

This study used 106 extracted single-rooted human mandibular premolar teeth. Root canal preparations were performed with a rotary file system and perforations were created in the middle third of each tooth. The samples were randomized into two main experimental groups, one with calcium hydroxide and one without. Each group had four subgroups in which different bioceramic cements were applied (n = 11) and a control group (n = 9). The root canals perforations were repaired using MTA, Biodentine, Bioaggregate, and Endosequence BC root repair material. A fiber post was applied to each tooth and a push-out test was performed. The samples were examined at 40× magnification with a digital microscope in order to identify fracture type.

RESULTS

Bonding strength was calculated in MPa. A statistical analysis showed that the calcium hydroxide had no effect on the bonding strength of the fiber posts. A comparison of the perforation repair materials revealed that Biodentine in the calcium hydroxide group and Bioaggregate in both groups decreased the bonding strength compared to the other materials (p < 0.05). The most common failure type was adhesive failure between the dentin and resin cement (38.16%).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of different perforation repair materials can affect the bonding strength of fiber posts. Therefore, the choice of perforation repair material should be made on an individual basis.

The ability of different irrigation methods to remove mixtures of calcium hydroxide and barium sulphate from isthmuses in 3D printed transparent root canal models

The purpose is to evaluate the efficacy of different irrigation techniques in the removal of various calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] and barium sulfate [BaSO₄] formulations from three isthmuses in 3-dimensional (3D) printed molar root canal models. 3D printed transparent models were designed, fabricated, and filled with pure Ca(OH)₂ paste, Ca(OH)₂-BaSO₄ 8:1 paste, Ca(OH)₂-BaSO₄ 1:1 paste, pure BaSO₄ paste, all in water, and Diapaste. Open-ended needle irrigation (ONI) at 5 and 15 mL/min, double-side-vented needle irrigation (DNI) at 5 mL/min, the GentleWave system (GW), PiezoFlow (PF), and passive ultrasonic activation (PUI) with distilled water, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 3% NaOCl were used to remove the materials from the isthmuses. Ninety groups (n = 10) were established. The removal time was recorded from the start of irrigation to the completion of removal. GW and PF were the only methods that removed all tested materials from the isthmuses. PF required 2-3 × as much time as GW for complete removal, depending on the BaSO₄ content of the paste. ONI at 15 mL/min removed pure Ca(OH)₂ paste, Ca(OH)₂-BaSO₄ (8:1) paste, Ca(OH)₂-BaSO₄ (1:1) completely but could not completely remove pure BaSO₄ paste and Diapaste. PUI with intermittent needle irrigation, ONI, and DNI at 5 mL/min were not able to completely remove any of the materials within 7.5 min. The GW removed all materials faster than PF, whereas other methods failed to remove all materials from the isthmuses. Pure Ca(OH)₂ and the mixture with BaSO₄ paste in the proportion 8:1 were removed in less time than the other mixtures by the GW, PF and ONI systems, the latter only when using 15 mL/min flow rate.

Confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis of the penetration of an epoxy resin-based sealer into dentinal tubules after calcium hydroxide dressing

This study assessed the penetration of an epoxy resin-based sealer into dentinal tubules of root canals previously medicated with calcium hydroxide. Sixteen palatal root canals of upper molars were instrumented and distributed into two groups: (G1) root canals medicated with calcium hydroxide and obturated after its removal; (G2) root canals obturated without the use of dressing. Sealer mixed with rhodamine B provided fluorescence for confocal laser scanning microscopy. Measurements of area and linear penetration of the sealer were assessed in three thirds by ImageJ software. The data were statistically compared by Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn's and Mann-Whitney U tests (P < 0.01). The calcium hydroxide decreased the penetration of the sealer. The coronal and middle thirds had similar areas and linear penetrations in both groups, whereas the apical third had less penetration. In conclusion, the penetration of the epoxy resin-based sealer is influenced by the calcium hydroxide dressing used between appointments.

Efficacy of the Rotary Instrument XP-Endo Finisher in the Removal of Calcium Hydroxide Intracanal Medicament in Combination with Different Irrigation Techniques: A Microtomographic Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the rotary instrument XP-endo Finisher for the removal of Ca(OH)₂ aided by different irrigation regimens.

METHODS

Sixteen double-rooted upper premolar human teeth were selected for the study. Thirty-two canals were prepared using a ProTaper Next rotary system up to X3. Then, the canals were filled with Ca(OH)₂. The volume of Ca(OH)₂ inside the canals was measured by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). After that, the teeth were randomly allocated into two experimental groups, i.e., A and B (n = 16 canals). In group A, Ca(OH)₂ was removed using the master apical file (X3). In group B, Ca(OH)₂ was removed using a XP-endo finisher. In half of both groups (n = 8), syringe irrigation (SI) was used, while passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) was used for the other half. After removal, the remaining volume of Ca(OH)₂ was measured. All data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test.

RESULTS

The percentages of remaining Ca(OH)₂ in the apical thirds of all canals were significantly higher as compared with the middle and coronal thirds in all groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between different files and techniques (p > 0.05).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study presents a new method for the removal of Ca(OH)₂ from root canals.

The Effectiveness of Different Final Irrigation Protocols for Removal of Calcium Hydroxide Intracanal Medication from Root Canal

Calcium hydroxide is the most used intracanalar medicament between apointments. It shoud be properly removed before root canal filling because its remnants could compromise the sealing of root obturation. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two type of irrigation solutions, EDTA and SmearClear in the removal of calcium hydroxide from root canals. Materials and method: twenty human single rooted teeth were prepared using ProTaper Universal instrumentation till F2, .06 taper. The canals were filled with Ca(OH)2 and after 7 days the Ca(OH)2 was removed using 3 rinses of 5 ml 15% EDTA and 5 ml 5.25% NaOCl alternately (group 1; n=10) or 3 rinses of 5 ml Smear Clear (SybronEndo) and 5 ml 5.25% NaOCl alternately (group 2; n=10). Results: On the final radiographs the best result was found in group 2 where the cleanliness of the total surface of the root canal wall when SmearClear was used obtained better results comparative to NaOCl – 15% EDTA (91.34% to 71.69%). Conclusions: under the limitation of this study, SmearClear was superior in removing Ca(OH)2 material compared to NaOCl and 15% EDTA irrigation solution.

Alkalizing potential and calcium release of residues from intracanal dressing containing calcium hydroxide

Abstract Introduction If the restoration, that seal the root canal from oral environment, failed or solubilize, the intracanal dressing could be partially removed, decreasing the efficiency of calcium hydroxide (CH). Objective To evaluate the alkalizing potential and calcium ions release of intracanal residues from different medications, in different periods. Materials and method Human incisors were endodontically instrumented and randomly divided (n=10). The root canals were filled with: G1⎯Calcium hydroxide (CH); G2⎯CH with 0.4% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHC); G3⎯CH with camphorated paramonochlorophenol and glycerin (HPG); G4⎯CH was maintained during all experiment, as positive control group (PC) and G5⎯ No medication was performed in the negative control group (NC). The specimens were immersed in distilled water for 7 days. The intracanal dressing was removed from the experimental groups using F1 instrument (Protaper). The teeth were stored in distilled water for 24 hours, 7, 14 and 28 days. pH value and calcium ions released were evaluated and the data were submitted to ANOVA one-way and Tukey tests. Result All experimental groups presented lower alkalizing potential and calcium ions release than PC (P<0.05). No significant difference was found among the experimental groups, regardless of the period (P>0.05). Conclusion The alkalizing potential and calcium ions release of residues from different intracanal dressing, in different periods, were similar and lower than the positive control group, that the medication was maintained inside the root canal, encouraging the replacement of intracanal dressing when the restoration fail.

Influence of a calcium hydroxide-based intracanal dressing on the quality of the root canal filling assessed by capillary flow porometry

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of a calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing (CH) on the short- and long-term sealing ability of the root canal filling using capillary flow porometry (CFP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To verify the repeatability of the method, five obturated specimens were submitted to CFP. Measurements were repeated three times and compared with the non-parametric Friedman test. Forty-five instrumented palatal roots were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1: specimens were obturated in one step without placement of any dressing. Group 2: CH was placed and removed after 1 week with syringe irrigation before obturation. Group 3: CH was placed and removed after 1 week with ultrasonic activation before obturation. CFP measurements were conducted at 1 week and 6 months after obturation. The inter-group comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the intra-group comparison over time using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Significance level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

In the five specimens, no difference could be detected between the consecutive measurements for minimum, mean flow, and maximum pore diameter indicating repeatability of the method. No difference in sealing ability could be detected neither between the 3 groups at 1 week and at 6 months nor within each group between the 1 week and the 6 months measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of a CH did not affect significantly the short- and long-term sealing ability of the root canal filling.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of an intermediary CH does not negatively influence the quality of the root canal filling.

Comparison of different techniques for removal of calcium hydroxide from straight root canals: an in vitro study

To compare four different techniques for removal of calcium hydroxide from straight root canals. The present study used the design suggested by Lee et al. (Int Endod J 37:607-612, 32) and van der Sluis et al. (Int Endod J 40:52-57, 17). One-hundred and ten extracted human teeth with straight root canals were prepared to ISO-size 50 and split longitudinally. Two lateral grooves were prepared, filled with calcium hydroxide and the root halves reassembled in a muffle. Calcium hydroxide was removed using one of five techniques: (1) passive ultrasonic irrigation, (2) hydrodynamic irrigation using RinsEndo^®, (3) sonic irrigation using the EndoActivator^®, (4) motor-driven plastic brush (CanalBrush™), and (5) manual irrigation with a syringe as the control group. Distilled water was used as irrigant. Cleanliness of the grooves was scored under a microscope with 40× magnification. For intraindividual reproducibility and interrater agreement, Cohens Kappa was calculated. Results of scoring were analyzed using a non-parametric test. Post hoc pairwise comparisons were used for irrigation techniques (α = 0.05). Passive ultrasonic irrigation performed significantly better than all other groups in the apical groove. Significant differences were found between RinsEndo and CanalBrush (P = 0.01855) and CanalBrush and syringe irrigation (P = 0.00021). In the coronal groove, passive ultrasonic irrigation performed significantly superior and hand irrigation performed significantly worse than all other groups. A statistically significant interaction was shown between irrigation technique and localization of the groove (P = 0.01358). The coronal grooves showed more remaining calcium hydroxide than the apical grooves. Complete removal of calcium hydroxide from the root canal could not be achieved with any of the techniques investigated. The highest degree of cleanliness resulted from the use of passive ultrasonic irrigation.

Effect of calcium hydroxide on the bond strength of two bioactive cements and SEM evaluation of failure patterns

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of calcium hydroxide on bond strength of two bioactive cements. One-mm thick longitudinal slabs of root dentin were obtained from freshly extracted human monorradicular teeth (n = 60). Simulated root perforations (1 mm in diameter) were prepared in radicular dentin. Thereafter, the specimens were randomly divided into two groups (n = 30), according to the repair material: MTA (n = 30) and Biodentine (BD) (n = 30). Next, the specimens in each group were further randomly divided into 4 equal subgroups (n = 15) according to the prior use of Ca(OH)2: MTA/Ca(OH)2 and BD/Ca(OH)2 groups: perforations were filled with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and after 7 days, it was removed, and MTA and BD groups: calcium hydroxide dressing were not used. Push-out test was performed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Bond strength values were compared statistically using Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post-test at a significance level of 5%. The failure analysis was performed using a stereoscopic and classified as adhesive, cohesive and mixed. The push-out bond strength of MTA and BD was not affected by the prior use of Ca(OH)2 (p > 0.05). BD yielded higher push-out bond strength values compared with those of MTA, regardless of the use of Ca(OH)2 (p < 0.05). Mixed failures were predominant in all groups. Ca(OH)2 placement for perforations sealing does not alter the bond strength of MTA and BD to the root dentin. BD presented higher bond strength values than MTA. SCANNING 38:240-244, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Efficacy of Needle, Ultrasonic, and Endoactivator Irrigation and Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming in Removing Calcium Hydroxide from the Main Canal and Isthmus: An In Vitro Micro-Computed Tomography and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this in vitro study was to use high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to compare the efficacy of four irrigation techniques [needle, ultrasonic, EndoActivator, and photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS)] in removing calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2) from the root canal and isthmus of maxillary premolars.

METHODS

Twenty-four maxillary first premolars were selected based on the presence of isthmus regions on micro-CT scans. Root canals were instrumented with an F2 file using ProTaper rotary instruments and filled with Ca(OH)2 paste. Samples were stored at 37°C and 100% humidity for 1 week and randomly divided into four groups (n=6 each), according to irrigation technique. Samples were scanned with micro-CT before instrumentation, after Ca(OH)2 filling, and after irrigation. Ca(OH)2 reduction in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds and in the isthmus were assessed with three-dimensional image analysis. Next, specimens were split longitudinally, and canal walls were examined with SEM for Ca(OH)2 residues. Data were statistically evaluated with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p=0.05).

RESULTS

The PIPS and ultrasonic groups showed greater Ca(OH)2 reduction in the apical third and higher cleanliness of the isthmus than the EndoActivator and needle irrigation groups (p<0.05). Ca(OH)2 residue scores in the PIPS and ultrasonic groups were significantly lower than those in the EndoActivator and needle groups in all regions of the root canals (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between PIPS and ultrasonic groups (p>0.05), or between EndoActivator and needle groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PIPS and ultrasonic irrigation more effectively removed Ca(OH)2 from the main canal and isthmus in maxillary premolars than did EndoActivator or needle irrigation.

Effect of rotary instrument associated with different irrigation techniques on removing calcium hydroxide dressing

Calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2 ] residues in root canals may compromise sealing of filling and endodontic treatment success. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of using rotary instrument associated with EndoActivator, EndoVac, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and conventional needle irrigation (CNI), in Ca(OH)2 removal from root canal, by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Sixty-six human canines were prepared with the Protaper system up to F5 and filled with Ca(OH)2 . After 7 days, Ca(OH)2 was removed with rotary instrument F5 associated with the irrigation techniques used in each group (n = 15): GI (CNI), GII (EndoVac), GIII (EndoActivator) and GIV (PUI). In all groups 15 mL of 2.5% NaOCl and 3 mL of 17% EDTA were used for Ca(OH)2 removal. The Ca(OH)2 residues was evaluated by SEM in the middle and apical third using a system of scores. The results were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (α = 0.05). None of the techniques completely removed the Ca(OH)2 from root canals. There was no difference between EndoActivator, EndoVac and PUI (P > 0.05), but the three techniques removed more Ca(OH)2 than the CNI (P < 0,05), in the middle and apical thirds of the root canal. It was concluded that the rotary instrument combined with EndoActivator, EndoVac, and PUI was shown to be more efficient than the rotary instrument combined with the CNI in removing Ca(OH)2 from the root canal.

Efficacy of NiTi rotary instruments in removing calcium hydroxide dressing residues from root canal walls

THE AIM OF THIS STUDY

was to evaluate the efficacy of three rotary instrument systems (K3, ProTaper and Twisted File) in removing calcium hydroxide residues from root canal walls. Thirty-four human mandibular incisors were instrumented with the ProTaper System up to the F2 instrument, irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA, and filled with a calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing. After 7 days, the calcium hydroxide dressing was removed using the following rotary instruments: G1 - NiTi size 25, 0.06 taper, of the K3 System; G2 - NiTi F2, of the ProTaper System; or G3 - NiTi size 25, 0.06 taper, of the Twisted File System. The teeth were longitudinally grooved on the buccal and lingual root surfaces, split along their long axis, and their apical and cervical canal thirds were evaluated by SEM (×1000). The images were scored and the data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskall Wallis test. None of the instruments removed the calcium hydroxide dressing completely, either in the apical or cervical thirds, and no significant differences were observed among the rotary instruments tested (p > 0.05).

Efficacy of sodium hypochlorite, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, citric acid and phosphoric acid in calcium hydroxide removal from the root canal: a microscopic cleanliness evaluation

Rooted molars were subjected to standardized canal instrumentation to a master apical file (MAF). The samples were dressed with Ca(OH)(2), and after 7 days, teeth were reopened and Ca(OH)(2) medication was removed by 1 of 4 different experimental procedures: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (n = 10); 17% EDTA-T (n = 10); 10% citric acid (n = 10); or 37% phosphoric acid (n = 10). This was followed by reinstrumentation with MAF plus 15 mL saline solution. The roots were prepared for scanning electron microscopic analysis of the cervical, middle, and apical thirds. Statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. EDTA-T and phosphoric acid gave the best results in the apical third, with significant statistical differences compared with other groups. NaOCl gave the worst results. Irrigation with 17% EDTA-T and 37% phosphoric acid is more effective than sodium hypochlorite and citric acid in the removal of calcium hydroxide from the apical third.

Contemporary endodontics - part 2

The aim of this paper is to present the contemporary developments in root canal treatment, restoration of the endodontically treated tooth, and advanced endodontic procedures, such as root canal retreatment and surgical endodontics.

Comparison of different irrigants on calcium hydroxide medication removal: microscopic cleanliness evaluation

Calcium hydroxide dressing residuals can compromise endodontic sealing. This study evaluated the cleaning efficacy of different endodontic irrigants in removing calcium hydroxide by SEM image analysis. Fifty-four single-rooted mandibular premolars were instrumented to a master apical file #60 and dressed with calcium hydroxide. After 36 hours, the teeth were reopened and Ca(OH)(2) medication was removed by 5 different experimental groups: 0.5% NaOCl (G1), EDTA-C (G2), citric acid (G3), EDTA-T (G4), and re-instrumentation with MAF using NaOCl and lubrificant, followed by EDTA-T (G5). The roots were split in the buccal-lingual direction and prepared for SEM analysis in cervical, middle, and apical thirds (9, 6, and 3mm from the apex). Five blinded examiners evaluated the wall cleanliness using a scale from 1 to 5. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis at 5% level of significance. Group G5 had the best results in all thirds, with significant statistical differences compared to all other groups in the middle and coronal third, and to G1 in the apical third. On the other hand, G1, only flushed with NaOCl, had the worst results, with statistical differences in all thirds compared to the other groups. The best cleanliness was achieved by G4 and G5 groups. The recapitulation of MAF in combination with irrigants improved the removal of calcium hydroxide medication better than an irrigant flush alone.

Removal Efficiency of Calcium Hydroxide Intracanal Medicament With Two Calcium Chelators: Volumetric Analysis Using Spiral CT, An In Vitro Study

The vehicles used to carry calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament are many and may affect the retrieval. Access cavities were prepared in 40 single rooted anterior teeth, cleaning and shaping was done and filled with either Metapex or pure calcium hydroxide powder in distilled water. After 7 days the calcium hydroxide was retrieved using either 17% EDTA or 10% citric acid in combination with ultrasonic agitation. Volume analysis was done using spiral computed tomography. The percentage difference was calculated and statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. 10% citric acid showed better removal efficiency than 17% EDTA for Metapex (p = 0.003). The 17% EDTA showed excellent removal efficiency of powder form of calcium hydroxide in distilled water than Metapex (p < 0.001). Ten percent citric acid removed powder form of calcium hydroxide in distilled water better than Metapex (p = 0.05).

A Quantitative Assessment of Efficacy of Various Calcium Hydroxide Removal Techniques

This study evaluated the amount of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2))] remaining in canals after removal with various techniques including combinations of NaOCl with EDTA irrigation, hand filing, rotary instrumentation, or ultrasonics. The mesial canals of 12 mandibular molars were uniformly instrumented. Teeth were sectioned longitudinally along the length of the instrumented canals. Acrylic jigs were fabricated, allowing reapproximation of the opposing segments. After Ca(OH)2 placement into the canals, four techniques were used for its removal. In the first method, the master apical file was placed to working length in between two 5-ml rinses of NaOCl. The other three techniques combined with the first method either a 2.5-ml EDTA rinse, a rotary file (MAF size) to working length, or passive ultrasonication. Results showed that no technique removed all Ca(OH)2. Rotary and ultrasonic techniques, while not different from each other, removed significantly more Ca(OH)2 than irrigant only techniques. The irrigant only techniques were not different from each other.

Effect of calcium hydroxide form and placement on root dentine pH

AIM

The aim of this study was to measure variations in dentinal pH following the placement of various forms of calcium hydroxide in either the root canal or the pulp chamber.

METHODOLOGY

Extracted single-rooted human teeth were prepared, and the root canals instrumented using a conventional technique. Three cavities were drilled through the root dentine to within 1 mm of the canal wall at the cervical, middle and apical thirds. A total of 125 teeth were randomly divided into five groups; group 1: pure aqueous calcium hydroxide paste (calcium hydroxide/distilled water solution) was placed in the root canal; group 2: the same aqueous calcium hydroxide paste was placed in the pulp chamber; group 3: Hycal, a new form of calcium hydroxide paste, was placed in the pulp chamber; group 4: calcium hydroxide gutta-percha points were placed in the root canal; group 5: control group, wet canal (distilled water) without medication. The access cavities and apical ends were sealed, and the teeth were placed in individual vials containing phosphate-buffered saline, and stored at 37 degrees C. The pH was measured in the dentinal cavities at 8 h and at 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days using a calibrated microelectrode.

RESULTS

At 8 h and 1, 2, and 3 days, the highest pH values were obtained when the aqueous calcium hydroxide paste was placed in the pulp chamber. At 7 days, the pH had increased in the Hycal group without being significantly different from the aqueous calcium hydroxide paste placed either in the root canal or in the pulp chamber. At 14 days, Hycal( had the highest pH values (pH 10.65); however, at 21 days no significant difference was noted amongst these first three groups. Control group values ranged from 7.88 to 8.60; the pH created by the calcium hydroxide gutta-percha points was lower than for the control group. Whatever the product or placement location, cervical pH was similar to middle pH, and greater than apical. However, there was no significant difference between the three when all groups were combined. Overall, aqueous calcium hydroxide paste placed in the pulp chamber provided the highest pH values during the experiment, except at day 14. The aqueous calcium hydroxide paste placed in the root canal or Hycal had similar values at days 7 and 21.

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions of this study, an aqueous calcium hydroxide paste placed in the pulp chamber increased dentinal pH more than the other techniques. The pH of dentine is affected by the form of calcium hydroxide used.