Evaluation of Chemical Stability, Tissue Dissolution Capacity and Ability to Remove the Smear Layer of Calcium Hypochlorite Solution When Used As an Endodontic Irrigant (An in vitro study)

Abstract

Irrigation is the most important part of successful root canal treatment. It has several important functions, which may vary according to the irrigant used: it reduces friction between the instrument and dentine, improves the cutting effectiveness of the files, dissolves tissue, cools the file and tooth, and furthermore, it has a washing effect and an antimicrobial/antibiofilm effect. Irrigation is also the only way to impact those areas of the root canal wall not touched by mechanical instrumentation. Sodium hypochlorite is the main irrigating solution used to dissolve organic matter and kill microbes effectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical stability, tissue dissolution capacity and ability to remove the smear layer of calcium hypochlorite solution when used as an endodontic irrigant in different concentrations. Part one was to evaluate calcium hypochlorite chemical stability by two methods, PH measurement and iodometric titration. PH measurement was done by preparing three concentrations of calcium hypochlorite solution (1.25 %, 2.5%, 5.25%) and using PH meter for measuring and it was concluded that there was no significant difference between the PH measurements of the three concentrations. Iodometric titration was done to determine the available chlorine content of three concentrations of calcium hypochlorite solution (1.25%, 2.5%, 5.25%) and it was concluded that chlorine content increased by increasing the solution concentration.