title: Mechanisms of antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide: a critical review.
abstract: Literature review The primary function of calcium hydroxide as a routine intracanal medicament is to provide antimicrobial activity. However, the mechanisms of antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide are not well known. Physicochemical properties of this substance may limit its effectiveness in disinfecting the entire root canal system. In addition, calcium hydroxide is not effective against all bacterial species found in root canal infections. Association with other medicaments may enhance the efficacy of the intracanal medication in eliminating residual bacteria in the root canal system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics and Oral Microbiology, Estácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Siqueira
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Lopes
mesh_terms: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles / Q000494:pharmacology; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide