Pulp tissue dissolution capacities of two hypochlorite-based irrigants at different temperatures: an in vitro study


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Erkal D., Çakmak Y. E., Pıstol A. M., Er K.

BMC ORAL HEALTH, cilt.25, ss.1-8, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 25
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s12903-025-06516-y
  • Dergi Adı: BMC ORAL HEALTH
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-8
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background

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.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusion

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.