The Effects of Calcium Hydroxide on Dentin Permeability

Abstract

Calcium hydroxide paste was applied to human dentin in vitro to determine its effects on dentin permeability. Discs of dentin were acid-etched on both sides to permit determination of their maximum permeability. Smear layers were then applied to the enamel sides of the discs, thereby reducing dentin permeability 99%. Topical application of Ca(OH)2 paste to the smear layer reduced dentin permeability further, to levels 48% below that of untreated smear layers. When the Ca(OH) 2-treated smear layers were exposed to 6% citric acid for two min, dentin permeability returned to the initial acid-etched value, demonstrating that Ca(OH)2 offers little protection to acid challenge. Treatment of acid-etched dentin with Ca(OH)2 produced a similar reduction in dentin permeability, which was restored to normal following acid challenge. Thus, Ca(OH)2 is effective at reducing the permeability of both the smear layer and of acid-etched dentin, in vitro.