The solvent effects of calcium hydroxide irrigating solution on bovine pulp tissue.

The solvent effects of calcium hydroxide irrigating solution (used alone and in combination with sodium hypochlorite) on bovine pulp tissue were studied. Forty pieces of pulp tissue weighing 90 mg each were treated with calcium hydroxide solution alone, calcium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite alternated, sodium hypochlorite alone, and saline alone. Each piece of tissue was treated for 32 min. Desiccated pretreatment and posttreatment weights were compared. There was no significant difference between the dissolution capability of calcium hydroxide solution used alone and of saline. No significant difference was noted between calcium hydroxide solution and sodium hypochlorite used alternately, and sodium hypochlorite used alone. However, both of these groups were significantly more effective at dissolving tissue than calcium hydroxide solution alone or saline. Calcium hydroxide solution was an ineffective solvent of pulpal tissue. If tissue dissolution is desired during root canal therapy, the use of calcium hydroxide solution as the sole irrigant is no more effective than saline.