Abstract

Calcium hydroxide diffusion associated with five different vehicles: A high performance liquid chromatographic study

Author(s): S.Omer Sheriff, Dhastagir S.Sheriff

Objective: An intracanal medicament is used to: (i) eliminate any remaining bacteria after canal instrumentation; (ii) reduce inflammation of periapical tissues and pulp remnants; (iii) render canal contents inert and neutralize tissue debris; (iv) act as a barrier against leakage from the temporary filling; (v) help to dry persistently wet canals. This study was undertaken to evaluate and identify which of the different vehicles used to deliver Ca (OH) 2 was effective in releasing more calcium and hydroxyl ions with less of other components used providing maximum benefit to the patients. Materials andMethods: Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), small amounts of liquid samples in which 25 premolar human teeth were immersed were evaluated. Calcium hydroxide was kept in differenct vehicles: Group 1 Polyethylene glycol and Colophony; Group 2 glycerin, camphorated para-monochlorophenol (PMCC), PMCC and camphor; Group 3 PMCC; group Group 4 glycerin Tricresol formal (TCF – 19% formaldehyde, 10% cresol); Group 5 Anesthetic solution Lignox. Five polyethylene tubes were filled with each of these pastes and placed unsealed in similar bottles. At the end of this period, HPLC analyses of the aqueous medium related to each group were performed to detect the diffusion pattern of Ca(OH) 2 along with other substances that had diffused from pastes used in the canals of the teeth other than calcium and hydroxyl ions. Results: Although the groups presented different maximum peaks when there was no barrier, they all showed higher values than when the tooth was present. At least maximum number of substances other than Calcium and hydroxyl ions were detected in the group 4. Conclusion: Considerable quantities of other components of the pastes used to deliver Ca (OH) 2 diffused through the dentine and reached the external root surface along with calcium and hydroxyl ions. Further studies will be needed to understand whether there are any adverse effects of such diffusing components on periodontium.