(TC07) Removal of Calcium Hydroxide using Trichloroacetic acid Compared to EDTA

Abstract:

Objective: Removing intracanal medicament, specifically calcium hydroxide, before obturation using current clinical protocols may not be effective, affecting the quality of the root canal filling. We aimed to test whether trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can achieve that goal more rapidly and efficiently.

Methods: Twenty-five single-canaled human teeth were instrumented to size 30/.06 using DCTaper H files. Teeth were then dried, filled with calcium hydroxide, and covered with a temporary filling. Teeth were stored in phosphate-buffered saline at 37.5 degrees Celsius for 14 days. Teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=5). Group 1 served as a control and were irrigated with saline for 30 seconds. Group 2 was irrigated with 17% EDTA for 60 seconds. Group 3 was irrigated with 90% TCA for 15 seconds. Group 4 was irrigated with 90% TCA for 30 seconds. Group 5 was irrigated with 90% TCA for 60 seconds. Groups 2-5 received a final saline rinse for 30 seconds. Teeth were then fixed and will be split longitudinally to reveal the canal for evaluation of calcium hydroxide using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Results: Teeth of all groups have been prepared and treated by their respective irrigants, fixed, and are ready to be sectioned. The entire canal will be imaged and examined for the presence of remaining calcium hydroxide using a semi-quantitative measuring method and graded on a scale of 0-5 by at least three investigators. The average will be used for statistical analysis with ANOVA. We anticipate TCA should be more efficient and faster than EDTA.