Interpretation by literature review of the use of calcium hydroxide as an intra-ductal medication

Abstract

The effectiveness of calcium hydroxide as an antiseptic agent in endodontics has recently gained relevance, being crucial to ensure optimal results in endodontic treatments. The aim of the study was to interpret the use of calcium hydroxide as an intra-endodontic medication by means of a literature review. A narrative review of the updated literature was performed, with the aim of describing the effects of CaOH and exposing the different clinical procedures in which it is used, as well as the results of its application in endodontic therapy. Clinical trials, meta-analyses and original and published articles from 2018 to 2023, in English or Spanish, were included. It was found that calcium hydroxide plays a key role in endodontics due to its dissociation into calcium and hydroxyl ions, which contributes to its antimicrobial and biological efficacy. Its clinical application is extensive, including preventive endodontics, direct and indirect pulp capping, pulp curettage and pulpotomies, especially in teeth with incomplete apical development. The mechanism behind its antimicrobial action lies in the diffusion of calcium ions and the increase in pH, which limit the rate and enhance the antimicrobial effect in root canals. It was concluded that, for an effective endodontic treatment, it is necessary to eliminate all microorganisms from the root canal. In addition, the microorganism such as E. faecalis has a high resistance to endodontic treatment, which is due to its ability to penetrate into the dentinal tubules, tolerate high alkalinity, and form biofilms