Amy Dukoff
 |
 WO
PERCENT chlorhexidine is a wonderful endodontic irrigant, but it is often
overlooked. Sodium hypochlorite has been the mainstay for use during
treatment. Integrating other endodontic irrigants to use routinely
as part of the armamentarium is sometimes hard to do. Dentists, including
me, sometimes tend to keep to old habits that work. However, staying
abreast of new products and constantly reminding oneself of good adjuncts
to treatment are important.
Two percent chlorhexidine is useful as a final
rinse after endodontic instrumentation because it does not affect the strength
of the bond of dentin to resin. Unfortunately, sodium hypochlorite
can cause problems when used with bonding adhesives. The sodium hypochlorite
has oxidative actions, which can affect the polymerization of the resins
and can lower bond strength. Sodium hypochlorite’s tissue-dissolving
properties and its antimicrobial properties make it a wonderful irrigant.
However, sodium hypochlorite would not be the best choice when a resin
is to be applied. Another concern affecting the bond strength is
whether calcium hydroxide paste has been used, because the paste can be
a barrier to a satisfactory bond if it is not completely removed.
Lastly, although alcohol does aid in drying the canal, it would remove
the moisture in the dentin that is needed for resin bonding.
For an endodontic procedure that is followed
by resin bonding, the last rinse should be 2 percent chlorhexidine.
This irrigant has not been shown to affect the bond strength. Resin
use is widespread, and the success of the restorative procedure is of utmost
importance.
January - March 2007
|
For
an endodontic procedure that is followed by resin bonding, the last rinse
should be 2 percent chlorhexidine.
|
