Amy Dukoff
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 ALCIUM HYDROXIDE has long been used as an intracanal dressing in endodontics. In the case of procedures that require more than one visit, calcium hydroxide paste remains within the canal space between appointments. As an intracanal medicament, it is stable for long periods, harmless to the body, and bactericidal within a limited area. The benefits of calcium hydroxide treatment are amply demonstrated by its successful results. It is helpful in reducing bacteria not only within the root canal space but also in the periapical tissue.
Calcium hydroxide treatments between appointments can enhance the periapical tissue. The use of calcium hydroxide paste as an intracanal medicament option can improve healing of periapical tissues in some cases. Studies have found that after calcium hydroxide paste treatments the periapical tissue has shown an organization of the tissue fibers. Organization of periapical tissue fibers is a measure of success of non-surgical root canal treatment.
Moreover, bacterial contamination in periapical tissues has been shown to be less after calcium hydroxide paste treatments than without the intracanal treatment. Also, reduction in the size of the apical inflammation area has been correlated with calcium hydroxide treatment results.
The decrease in bacterial contamination is coupled with the organization of periapical tissue fibers and a decrease in the area of inflammation; all these factors aid in achieving treatment success.
Because more than one visit is required in a treatment modality that uses calcium hydroxide, its merits are sometimes overlooked in today’s fast pace. Two visits allow for integrating this medicament in the patient’s treatment options. Calcium hydroxide paste is especially recommended if you anticipate an excessive delay between appointments, because it remains effective as long as it remains within the root canal. Thus, utilizing calcium hydroxide dressings should always be considered and integrated into the treatment if they could benefit the patient.
April - June 2010 |
Calcium hydroxide dressings should be considered if they could benefit the patient.
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