Calcium hydroxide medication in primary molars using different preparations and placement techniques: an in vitro study.

AIM

This was to compare the effectiveness of different preparations and delivery techniques of calcium hydroxide paste as an intracanal medicament in primary molar root canals.

METHODS

Extracted lower primary second molars roots (72) were randomly assigned to the four experimental groups. After complete root canal preparation with TF rotary nickel titanium up to .06/30 file, a mix of calcium hydroxide/ distilled water was delivered by lentulo spiral (group 1) or a syringe (group 2). UltraCal(®) XS was placed by lentulo spiral (group 3) and a syringe (group 4). Digital radiographs were taken in both buccal and proximal directions before and after calcium hydroxide placement to evaluate the quality of filling. The mean percentages of filled calcium hydroxide area by subtracted digital radiograph, and the quality assessments between four experimental groups, were compared by using Two-way ANOVA and Fisher's exact test respectively. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistical significance.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the mean percentages of the filled calcium hydroxide area among different preparations and delivery techniques (p ≥ 0.05). The syringe technique had statistically significant fewer of air inclusions than when using the lentulo spiral with the mix of calcium hydroxide group (p < 0.05). The completeness of obturation and the quality of filling at apical part were not different among groups (p ≥ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Syringe technique was a simpler handling method that presented similar filling quality but fewer porosities than lentulo spiral technique in primary molar root canals.