Flushing out decay, infection, and debris, known as irrigation, is essential for endodontic treatment. Multiple elements govern the effectiveness of this process. These include the skill of the dentist and the equipment being used. The more thorough this process is, the less chance there is of unfortunate post-treatment complications. Rotary instruments, such as a dental drill, followed by the use of a water pick, have been the go-to solution for years. Modern irrigation has been finding more effective procedures to ensure that endodontic treatment is a one-and-done process. The outcome has been better cleaning with superior outcomes and a lower case of complications.
Introducing Modern Agents Used In Irrigation
The mission to ensure the total removal of bacteria and debris within the root canal has led to the development of multiple irrigation systems. Each of them plays an essential role in ensuring the entire treatment area is disinfected in preparation for the final procedure. The systems used for this process needed to be both non-allergenic and non-toxic in nature. They also needed to have an antimicrobial element and be able to dissolve remaining pulp endotoxins. To cap it all off, they also had to be effective at preventing the formation of new bacteria. Rigorous study and experimentation have led to substances that meet the standards of care today’s patients expect. Below we talk about the most common players and the pros and cons they each have.
- NaOCL: Properly known as sodium hypochlorite, this chemical is essential for endodontic care. Its ability to destroy bacteria and eliminate pulp tissue helps clean out the treatment site. One potential drawback is its inability to differentiate between necrotic tissue and living tissue. The elimination of necrotic tissue is critical for ensuring the health of the tooth, but preserving healthy tissue is important when possible.
- EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is often used together with NaOCL. It’s able to eliminate demineralized calcium and dentin and is an effective lubricant. It’s applied as part of removing tartar and plaque within the root’s canals. It’s often left in place to continue to kill bacteria within the tooth.
- CHX: Chlorhexidine gluconate provides antiseptic action that can rupture the cell walls of bacteria, killing them. It has the remarkable ability to bind to dentin, meaning it can continue to protect against bacteria for months to come. However, it acks the ability to remove smear layers, necrotic pulp, or biofilms like plaque and tartar. This means it’s often used as a second stage in the irrigation procedure and again at the completion. It interacts poorly with NaOCL and is not used in procedures utilizing this substance.
These three agents are the core team of endodontic care. With their various pros and cons, they work together to ensure the successful completion of the procedure without complications.
Learn More About Endodontic Irrigation From Your Dentist
There’s a lot more to learn about the irrigation process. If you’re an inquisitive and engaged patient, speak to your dentist about what else is involved in receiving a root canal. Start by calling for a consultation with them today!