The Effects of Short-Term Calcium Hydroxide Application on the Strength of Dentine

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to see how a short-term application of calcium hydroxide affected the dentine strength of adult human permanent teeth. Materials and methods: We selected 15 disease-free permanent mandibular premolars extracted from humans. The root canals were prepared using rotary equipment and divided into three groups at random. In one group, the root canals were filled with a calcium hydroxide paste (RC Cal) and in another group the root canals were filled with a calcium hydroxide paste (NEO Cal). Canals of teeth in the control group were left empty. All teeth were stored in normal saline for 14 days and then coronal third root dentin cylinders were created by removing the crown and apical portions of the teeth. The compressive forces required to shatter the dentin cylinders were measured using an Instron machine (UNIVERSAL TESTING MASCHINE), and the data was analysed using the Anova test. Results: The calcium hydroxide-filled teeth had a considerably lower mean compressive force than the control teeth (P < 0.005). Conclusion: Teeth that had been exposed to calcium hydroxide for 14 days needed less compressive force to shatter root dentin cylinders. Further research is needed to see if impact testing will provide similar results.