The Effect of Peracetic Acid on Removing Calcium Hydroxide from the Root Canals

IntroductionThe goal of this study was to evaluate the efficiencies of different irrigation solutions in the removal of calcium hydroxide (CH).MethodsForty-eight maxillary central incisor teeth were used. Root canals were prepared with the ProTaper system (Dentsply Maillefer, Baillagues, Switzerland). Five milliliters 2% NaOCl, 5 mL 17% EDTA, and 10 mL saline were used for final irrigation. The canals were filled with CH paste. Specimens were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (n = 10) according to irrigation protocols. Positive and negative control groups (n = 4) were used. Group 1 used 2.5 mL 17% EDTA, group 2 used 2.5 mL 2.5% NaOCl + 2.5 mL 17% EDTA, group 3 used 2.5 mL 1% peracetic acid (PAA), and group 4 used 2.5 mL 0.5% PAA. The specimens were evaluated with scanning electron microscope analysis and scored. Kruskal–Wallis and Student Newman–Keuls post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis.ResultsIn the apical thirds, 1% PAA was superior to the other groups (P < .05); however, there were no significant differences among the other groups (P > .05). In the middle thirds, no significant differences were found among the groups (P > .05). In the coronal thirds, 1% PAA was superior to the other groups. There were significant differences among all the other groups (P < .05).ConclusionsAccording to the findings of the present study, 1% PAA could be recommended for the removal of CH from the root canals.