PLACEMENT OF CALCIUM HYDROXIDE IN SIMULATED CANALS - COMPARISON OF GLYCERIN VERSUS WATER

Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)(2)) is an intracanal medicament used as an antimicrobial agent, temporary obturant, and for apexification. Placement should be controlled for the maximum biological effect. This study evaluated and compared the effectiveness of delivery of Ca(OH)(2) mixed with water or with glycerin as to (a) length of placement and (b) density of fill at different levels. Fifty-six simulated canals with moderate curvature were prepared to #60 using the step-back technique. Ca(OH)(2) was mixed with either water (28 canals) or glycerin (28 canals) into a thick paste and placed with lentulo spirals. Radiographs were made and blindly assessed. Results showed that glycerin was statistically significantly superior (p < 0.05) to water as to (a) length of fill and (b) density in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds. Of particular interest was the apical third, in which O% of water and 50% of glycerin Ca(OH)(2) pastes were completely dense.