Compare the efficiency in removing two calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] preparations from root canal and apical third using single use syringe, ultrasonics and RinsEndo® with saline solution.

One hundred and eighty human singlerooted teeth were instrumented using ProTaper® rotary system, divided into two groups according to Ca(OH)₂ filling. A: Powder mixed with water, B: Pulpdent®. Each group was divided into three subgroups for the irrigation: A1, B1: Single use syringe; A2, B2: Ultrasonics; A3, B3: RinsEndo®.

Teeth were split longitudinally, photographed and imported into Adobe Photoshop. The percentage ratios of Ca(OH)₂ remaining in the canal and in the apical third were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using ‘ANOVA two-way’ and ‘univariate tests’.

(a) Remnants of medicament were found in all teeth, (b) no statistically significant difference in the elimination of both Ca(OH)₂ from the entire canal (p = 0.436), however, mixed powder was better eliminated from the apical third (p = 0.005), (c) no statistically significant difference among the irrigation techniques in the whole canal (p = 0.608), though, RinsEndo® and ultrasonics were the most effective in cleaning the apical third (p = 0.032) when mixed powder was used.

None of the techniques removed completely Ca(OH)₂ from the canal. In the apical third, RinsEndo® and ultrasonics were the most effective when mixed powder was used.

Ca(OH)₂, the most commonly used intracanal dressing, should be completely eliminated before the obturation to assure a good endodontic sealing. Based on the results of this study, RinsEndo® and ultrasonics were the most effective in removal of Ca(OH)₂ especially the powder mixed with water presentation.

Maalouf L, Zogheib C, Naaman A. Removal Efficiency of Calcium Hydroxide Dressing from the Root Canal without Chemically Active Adjuvant. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(2):188-192.