Root canal treatment is a commonly used dental treatment method, mainly used to treat internal tooth infections such as pulpitis and apical periodontitis. In this process, sodium hypochlorite, as an important root canal irrigant, plays an indispensable role. Bluewav’s medical-grade sodium hypochlorite generator can efficiently and stably produce medical-grade sodium hypochlorite solution. This article will discuss in detail the role of sodium hypochlorite in root canal treatment and its application precautions.
Bluewav’s medical-grade sodium hypochlorite generator
I. The main role of sodium hypochlorite in root canal treatment
Cleaning the root canal and dissolving necrotic tissue
Sodium hypochlorite has strong oxidizing properties and can effectively dissolve necrotic tissue and dentin debris in the root canal. During root canal treatment, the use of sodium hypochlorite rinse can thoroughly clean the infected substances in the root canal, avoid residues blocking the root canal, and lay a good foundation for subsequent treatment steps.
Lubricating the root canal wall
Sodium hypochlorite solution can not only clean the root canal, but also lubricate the root canal wall. This feature helps the smooth operation of instruments during root canal treatment, reduces friction and loss of instruments in the root canal, and improves treatment efficiency.
Sterilization and infection prevention
Sodium hypochlorite has a broad spectrum of antibacterial properties and can kill a variety of bacteria in the root canal, including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, etc. During root canal treatment, the use of sodium hypochlorite rinse can significantly reduce the number of bacteria in the root canal and prevent postoperative infection.
Promote tissue healing
The flushing effect of sodium hypochlorite also helps to remove inflammatory products and smear layers in the root canal, creating good conditions for filling and sealing of the root canal. This helps to promote the healing of periapical tissues and improve the success rate of treatment.
II. Precautions for the use of sodium hypochlorite in root canal treatment
Concentration control
The antibacterial efficacy, tissue solubility and toxicity of sodium hypochlorite all depend on its concentration. Generally speaking, the concentration of commonly used sodium hypochlorite solution is between 0.5% and 5.25%. Although high-concentration sodium hypochlorite has stronger tissue dissolving and bactericidal abilities, it may also irritate and damage periapical tissues. Therefore, when using sodium hypochlorite, the appropriate concentration should be selected according to the patient’s specific situation and the doctor’s advice.
Temperature control
Increasing the temperature of the sodium hypochlorite solution can enhance its flushing effect. However, too high a temperature may also cause damage to periapical tissues. Therefore, when using sodium hypochlorite, the temperature of the solution should be controlled to avoid using overheated or overcooled solutions.
Isolation and protection
Sodium hypochlorite is highly oxidizing and irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, when using sodium hypochlorite for root canal flushing, isolation and protection should be done for both the doctor and the patient to avoid splashing the solution on the skin or mucous membranes and causing damage.
Flushing volume and time
In order to ensure that sodium hypochlorite can fully exert its flushing effect, sufficient flushing volume and flushing time should be guaranteed. Generally speaking, each root canal should be flushed with 10 to 20 ml of sodium hypochlorite solution, and ensure that the solution has sufficient contact time with the root canal wall.
III. Summary
0.5% sodium hypochlorite disinfectant
As an important root canal irrigant, sodium hypochlorite plays an indispensable role in root canal treatment. Sodium hypochlorite helps improve the success rate of root canal treatment and promote the healing of periapical tissues by cleaning the root canal, dissolving necrotic tissue, lubricating the root canal wall, and sterilizing to prevent infection. However, when using sodium hypochlorite, attention should also be paid to its concentration, temperature, isolation protection, and control of irrigating volume and time to ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatment.