A Comparative Evaluation of Pulp Tissue Dissolving Ability of Three Different Pulp Dissolving Agents With 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite: An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: The dissolution of pulp tissue is an essential aspect of root canal treatment, as it aids in the removal of necrotic or infected tissue from the root canal, thereby reducing the microbial load. Aim: This in-vitro study aimed to compare the pulp tissue dissolving ability of three different pulp-dissolving agents with a 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution. Materials and Methods:  128 intact, non-carious extracted human single-rooted premolar teeth were selected and sectioned to harvest intact pulp tissue. Pulp tissue samples were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n=32) based on the pulp dissolving agent used: Group I (5.25% NaOCl solution), Group (5% Calcium hypochlorite solution), Group III (5.25% NaOCl gel) and Group IV (8% Papain gel). The initial weight of each sample was recorded and samples were exposed to specific pulp-dissolving agents for specified time intervals. The time required for complete dissolution of the pulp tissue was recorded for all samples till 120 mins. Results: The study analyzed the mean weight of pulp tissue in various groups, including Group I, Group II, Group III, and Group IV. After 30 minutes, complete dissolution of pulp tissue was evident in Group I, while Group II showed 0.0058 grams of remaining tissue after 30 minutes, 0.0040 grams after 60 minutes, and 0.0022 grams after 120 minutes. Group III showed 0.0072 grams of remaining tissue after 30 minutes, and Group IV showed 0.0075 grams of remaining tissue after 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes. Conclusion:  5.25% NaOCl has the highest pulp tissue dissolution efficacy compared to other dissolving agents. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and assess the feasibility of these agents in clinical practice.