Effects of calcium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite on the dissolution of necrotic porcine muscle tissue

• Published in: Journal of endodontics Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 125 - 127
• Main Authors: Hasselgren, Gunna, Olsson, Berit, Cvek, Miomir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.03.1988
• Subjects: Animals; Calcium Hydroxide - pharmacology; Dentistry; Muscles - drug effects; Necrosis - drug therapy; Root Canal Irrigants - pharmacology; Sodium Hypochlorite - pharmacology; Swine
• ISSN: 0099-2399; 1878-3554
• DOI: 10.1016/S0099-2399(88)80212-7

The dissolving effect of the endodontic medicamentscalcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) on necrotic tissue was studied. Pieces of necrotic porcine muscular tissue were placed in either a 0.5% NaOCI solution (Dakin's solution), Ca(OH) 2, mixed with water, or a NaOCI solution following pretreatment in Ca(OH) 2 for various time intervals. The tissue pieces placed in 0.5% NaOCI were not completely dissolved after 12 days. When NaOCI solution was changed every 30 min, the tissue was completely dissolved after 3 h. Pieces placed in Ca(OH) 2 exhibited a marked swelling and a jelly-like consistency. The increase in weight was maintained for 24 h, after which a decrease was noted. After 12 days, the tissue was completely dissolved. Pretreatment with Ca(OH) 2 for 30 min caused the tissue to dissolve in NaOCI within 90 min. Pieces that were pretreated for 24 h or 7 days dissolved within 60 min. As a control, tissue pieces were kept in isotonic saline solution and these were not dissolved after 12 days. Apparently, long-term treatment with Ca(OH) 2 can dissolve necrotic tissue and pretreatment with Ca(OH) 2 can enhance the tissue dissolving effect of NaOCl.