Research Information System
BMC ORAL HEALTH, vol.25, pp.1-8, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Effective removal of pulp tissue is essential for successful root canal treatment. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is commonly used because of its tissue-dissolving and antimicrobial properties, but its instability and cytotoxicity have led to the exploration of alternatives such as calcium hypochlorite [Ca(ClO)₂]. Both irrigants may show enhanced efficacy when heated, yet comparative data under varying temperatures remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the pulp tissue dissolution capacity of NaOCl and Ca(ClO)₂ irrigants at various temperatures.
Standardized bovine pulp tissues (25 mg) were exposed to 3 irrigants [distilled water, 5.25% NaOCl, and 5.25% Ca(ClO)₂] each tested at 24 °C, 36 °C, and 60 °C. The samples were irrigated with 2.5 mL of the assigned irrigant, with a total exposure time of 15 min including 3 min of sonic activation (3 × 20 s per cycle × 3 repetitions) and subsequently reweighed to calculate the percentage of tissue dissolution. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, the Scheirer-Ray-Hare test for overall group comparison, and the Mann-Whitney U test for post hoc analysis.
Tissue dissolution significantly varied depending on both irrigant type and temperature (P < 0.001). Both hypochlorite-based irrigants showed superior dissolution capacity compared to distilled water, with no significant difference between them (p = 0.178). Higher temperatures led to increased dissolution across all groups, with the greatest effect observed at 60 °C.
These findings underscore the potential clinical benefits of optimizing irrigant protocols through temperature modulation. Ca(ClO)₂ may represent a viable alternative to NaOCl, particularly in scenarios where biocompatibility and chemical stability are prioritized.