Evaluation of the diffusion of calcium hydroxide-based medicaments through the dentinal tubules and apical foramen: A mass spectrometry study.

AIMS

This mass spectrometry study investigated the diffusion of hydroxyl and calcium ions from a calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament (Pulpdent) when used alone or mixed in equal parts with a steroid-antibiotic paste (Ledermix).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pH (using pH meter) and calcium ion concentration (using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry) of the diffused medicaments were assessed using endodontically prepared human extracted teeth with either a sealed or a patent apex, at time intervals of 1, 3, 8, 24, and 168 h.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

A one-way ANOVA was used to explore differences between and within groups, with Tukey-Kramer/Games-Howell posttests.

RESULTS

In both situations tested, Pulpdent showed greater release of both calcium and hydroxyl ions than when mixed in equal parts with Ledermix. Greater initial release of both ions occurred in roots with a patent apex, but by 1 week there was no significant difference between the two. If a 50:50 combination of Pulpdent paste and Ledermix paste is used, there is a lower release of calcium ions and hydroxyl ions than using Pulpdent paste alone.

CONCLUSION

With both Pulpdent paste alone and Pulpdent paste mixed equally with Ledermix paste, the major pathway for movement of hydroxyl ions and calcium ions is diffusion through the dentine of the root, with the apex playing only a minor role.