title: Filling lateral canals: influence of calcium hydroxide paste as a root canal dressing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of intracanal medication aims to provide antimicrobial activity in the root canal system, leading to a more satisfactory condition for root canal obturation. However, it is important to evaluate whether such medication would affect the sealing-off from the main root canal of ramifications such as lateral canals.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Evaluate the influence of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] paste on the filling of lateral canals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ex vivo quantitative laboratory study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty single-rooted teeth with lateral canals created were used, 10 teeth per group. Group A was described respectively as lateral condensation technique (subgroup 1), thermomechanical compaction (subgroup 2), and continuous wave of condensation (subgroup 3). In Group B, subgroups 4, 5, and 6 were filled with Ca(OH)2 for 7 days before filling using the techniques applied in subgroups 1, 2, and 3. Radiographic evaluation was performed to count the number of filled lateral canals in each group. The teeth were cross-sectioned over the lateral canals; thus, 180 specimens were obtained. Each specimen was immersed in a polyester resin. Digital images were obtained and specific software (Image Tool; ) was used to evaluate the number of obturated lateral canals and the filling length in each lateral canal of groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 12.0 for Windows (Descriptive statistical analysis and Newman-Keuls test).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A greater number of simulated lateral canals were filled in Group A (91.1%). Group B had less filled lateral canals (33.3%). The sealing of lateral canals was statistically different between Group B (26.15%) and Group A (74.43%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to the radiographic analysis and the linear filling measurement, the use of Ca(OH)2 decreased the number and the length of sealed lateral canals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Ceará Federal University, Sobral, Brazil.
authors.forename: Bruno Carvalho
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: de Sousa
authors.forename: Fabio de Almeida
authors.initials: Fde A
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Claudio Maniglia
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Diana Santana
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: de Albuquerque
mesh_terms: D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials
chemical_list: D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide