Antimicrobial effect of calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament in root canal treatment: a literature review - Part I. In vitro studies.
10.5395/rde.2014.39.4.241
- Author:
Dohyun KIM
1
;
Euiseong KIM
Author Information
1. Microscope Center, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Science Research Center, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea. andyendo@yuhs.ac
- Publication Type:In Vitro ; Review
- Keywords:
Antimicrobial effect;
Calcium hydroxide;
Endodontics;
Intracanal medicament;
Microorganism
- MeSH:
Calcium Hydroxide*;
Candida albicans;
Dental Pulp Cavity*;
Endodontics;
Enterococcus faecalis;
Ions
- From:Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics
2014;39(4):241-252
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The goal of endodontic treatment is the prevention and control of pulpal and periradicular infections. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) has been widely used in endodontics as an intracanal medicament to eliminate the remaining microorganisms after chemomechanical preparation. The purpose of this article is to review the antimicrobial properties of Ca(OH)2 as an intracanal medicament in root canal treatment. The first part of this review details the characteristics of Ca(OH)2 and summarizes the results of in vitro studies related to its antimicrobial effect. The antimicrobial effect of Ca(OH)2 results from the release of hydroxyl ions when it comes into contact with aqueous fluids. Ca(OH)2 has a wide range of antimicrobial effects against common endodontic pathogens, but is less effective against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. The addition of vehicles or other agents might contribute to the antimicrobial effect of Ca(OH)2.
