Calcium hydroxide powder has been used as a treatment medication for different pathologies of the teeth. This article describes the physiological effects and general principles involved in using calcium hydroxide. The indications for its use and the contraindications are described. Filling and refilling the root canal with calcium hydroxide using the Webber technique induces a calcified tissue barrier and stimulates osteogenic healing. A case report using the Webber technique is included.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
HunterP.A.Saving pulps: a queer process.Dent Items Int1883; 352.
2.
WebberR.T.Traumatic injuries and the expanded role of calcium hydroxide. In: GersteinH., ed. Techniques in Clinical Endodontics, Chapt. 7.Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co,1983: 172–258.
3.
HermannB.W.Dentinobilateration der Wurzelkanale nach der Behandlung mit Kalzium.Zahnarztl. Rundschau.1930; 39: 388.
4.
KaiserH.Management of wide canals with calcium hydroxide compounds. 21st Annual Meeting of American Association of Endodontists, Washington, DC, April 17, 1964.
5.
FrankA.L.Experimental efforts to effect a closing of the wide open pulpless tooth allowing conservative therapy rather than surgical intervention. 21st Annual Meeting of American Association of Endodontists, Washington, DC, April 17, 1964.
6.
WebberR.T., SchwiebertK.A., CatheyG.M.A technique for placement of calcium hydroxide in the root canal system.JADA1981; 103: 417.
7.
CvekM., HollenderL., NordC.E.Treatment of non-vital permanent incisors with calcium hydroxide: A clinical, microbiological and radiological evaluation of treatment in one setting of teeth with mature and immature roots.Odont. Revy1976; 27: 93–108.
WebberR.T.Traumatic tooth injuries treated with calcium hydroxide. Dallas County Dental Association Mid-Winter Dental Conference, Dallas, TX, Jan. 1990.
10.
FisherF.J.The effect of calcium hydroxide/water paste on microorganisms in carious dentin.Br Dent J1972; 133: 19–21.
11.
BystromA., ClausonR., SundquistG.The antibacterial effect of camphorated parachlorophenol, camphorated phenol and calcium hydroxide in the treatment of infected root canals.Endod Dent Traumatol1985; 1: 170–175.
12.
KnightG.W., MarachalyaL.S.The effect of Dycal on bacterial metabolism and viability in deep carious lesions. Masters Thesis, University of Michigan1981.
13.
TronstadL., AndreasenJ.O., HasselgrenG.pH changes in dental tissues after root canal filling with calcium hydroxide.J Endodon.1981; 7(1): 17.
14.
KawaharaH.A., YamagamiA., NakamuraM.Biological testing of dental materials by means of tissue culture.Int Dent J1968; 18(2): 443–467.
15.
TronstadL., MjorI.A.Capping of the inflamed pulp.Oral Surg Sept1972; 34(2).
16.
AndreasenJ.O.Treatment of fractured and avulsed teeth.J Dent Child1971; 38(1): 29–48.