Calcium Hydroxide
An alkaline intracanal medicament used between appointments to disinfect the root canal system and promote periapical healing.
Full Definition
Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) is the most widely used interappointment intracanal medicament in endodontics, with a highly alkaline pH (~12.5) that exerts antimicrobial effects and deactivates bacterial lipopolysaccharides. It is placed in the canal in paste form between visits, typically for one to four weeks, and must be completely removed before obturation as residual calcium hydroxide can weaken dentine and impair sealer adhesion. In documents, it appears as 'calcium hydroxide', 'Ca(OH)₂', or the proprietary name Calasept or Ultracal. Editors must standardise nomenclature within a manuscript and are advised to query authors about the vehicle used (aqueous, viscous, or oily suspension), as this affects the interpretation of outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'calcium hydroxide' as the preferred non-proprietary name. Proprietary names (Calasept, Ultracal) should be capitalised and used only when the specific product is relevant to the study.
In Context
- "Calcium hydroxide dressing was placed for four weeks prior to definitive obturation." — Two-visit root canal treatment protocol
- "The authors must clarify whether calcium hydroxide was removed using passive ultrasonic irrigation or conventional hand filing." — Peer-review query