Resident University of Washington Seattle, Washington, United States
Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) has been used in dentistry for decades and has adopted many clinical uses, most significantly as an intracanal medicament in the field of endodontics. It is well known for its alkaline properties, antimicrobial activity, hard tissue repair, and inhibition of resorption characteristics. Ca(OH)2 in its pure form is a fine, formless, granular radiolucent powder making it clinically challenging to handle and impossible to visualize on a radiograph. Many solutions have been suggested for mixing Ca(OH)2 to obtain a desirable paste consistency for endodontic treatment. Suggestions range from distilled water to glycerin, however these liquids lack radiopacity and therefore cannot be visualized on radiographs. Ideally, Ca(OH)2 in the root canal system should be visualized on a radiograph as this allows for identification of usual or unusual anatomy. Barium sulfate (BaSO4) is a radiopacifier that is often added to calcium hydroxide to allow for the visualization within the root canal system. However, BaSO4 is not readily available, can be toxic to the periapical tissues, and does not aid in the optimization of the Ca(OH)2 consistency. This table clinic proposes a novel Ca(OH)2 mixture with ideal handling properties and radiopacity. By combining UltraCal XS with the powder form of Ca(OH)2, the provider can achieve a radiopaque product that has an ideal consistency for packing, yet has the benefits of the pure form of the material.
