Sodium hypochlorite as an endodontic irrigant and its effect on dentine: a review of literature

Abstract

Successful endodontic treatment is achieved by a combination of factors which include acceptable instrumentation, optimal irrigation and disinfection of the root canal system. It is vital that a suitable antimicrobial agent be used during irrigation and sodium hypochlorite emerges as the optimal agent to be used as it complies with most of the criteria of an ideal irrigant. Sodium hypochlorite is a popular choice as an endodontic irrigant due to its solvent activity as well as its antimicrobial action. The tissue dissolving ability of sodium hypochlorite depends on its concentration, volume, contact time of solution with tissue remnants, refreshment and/or activation cycles of solution, as well as the surface area of exposed tissue