Calcium hydroxide removal: Effectiveness of ultrasonic and manual techniques

Abstract

Purpose: Different techniques have been proposed to improve the removal of calcium hydroxide. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound and manual techniques in the removal of calcium hydroxide from root canals. Methods: Thirty-eight single-rooted teeth were divided into two groups of 19 teeth each. The teeth were prepared using the crown-down technique with an apical master file #50. After shaping, the canals were radiographed and dressed with calcium hydroxide. After 14 days, the calcium hydroxide was removed with the ultrasound technique in group I and through manual filing in group II. The teeth were then radiographed again to evaluate the removal of the paste. To assess the calcium hydroxide removal, the radiographs were scanned and analyzed based on the gray levels. The independent samples and Student's t-tests (a=0.05) were used for each group to compare the efficacy of calcium hydroxide removal between the groups and among thirds (cervical, middle and apical). Results: There was no difference between ultrasound and manual techniques in the removal of calcium hydroxide from root canals. There were no statistical differences among the thirds analyzed. Conclusion: Neither manual nor ultrasonic techniques completely removed calcium hydroxide from the root canal. Copyright: © 2011 Böttcher et al.; licensee EDIPUCRS.