Evaluation of calcium hydroxide dressing for short term prevention of coronal leakage

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the influence of coronal leakage on the apical dog's teeth healing, which were dressed with calcium hydroxide and kept or not in contact with oral environment. Material and Methods: After biomechanical preparation and filling with calcium hydroxide/saline paste, twenty six root canals were randomly divided into two experimental groups: Group 1 - coronally sealed with temporary restorative material; Group 2 - coronally unsealed. The animals were sacrified after 7 days and the specimens were prepared for histological analysis. Results: In both groups the results were similar. Inflammatory cells were not present in the apical tissue or in the cementum. Besides, it was observed necrosis in the coronary third surface of the pulp stump and microorganisms were noted just in contact with debris, which were present in the specimens pulp chamber without sealing but not in the root canal. Conclusion: It was concluded that the calcium hydroxide used as dressing prevented the contamination of the root canal and keeps its mechanism in the apical tissues even under defective sealing in a period of at least 7 days.