title: What we leave behind in root canals after endodontic treatment: some issues and concerns.
abstract: The benefits of using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as endodontic irrigants, and calcium hydroxide as an inter-appointment medicament, are well known to dentists. Many steps undertaken during endodontic treatment and retreatment are rather mechanical in nature, and less attention is committed to understanding the biological issues underlying endodontic treatment and retreatment. It should be noted that dentine is the fundamental substrate in endodontic treatment, and its properties and characteristics are the key determinant of nearly all disease and post-disease processes in the teeth. In this article the effects and counter-effects of NaOCl and EDTA on root canal dentine, and some other related issues are reviewed. This information will enable clinicians to use the beneficial effects of these chemicals, while necessary steps are considered to reduce their harmful effects on dentine substrate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, National University of Singapore. singendo@singnet.com.sg
authors.forename: Chee Peng
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Sum
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Neo
authors.forename: Anil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kishen
mesh_terms: D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000382:microbiology; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D004492:Edetic Acid; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite