1993 Volume 14 Issue 2 Pages 30-34
Abstract : Solubility of soft tissue and predentine remaining on the root canal wall by intracanal dressing of calcium hydroxide paste was investigated with a scanning electron microscope. Middle thirds of roots of extracted human teeth were split longitudinally into halves and the pulp tissues were removed, then the halves were divided into 3 groups. Specimens of control group were with no treatment. Specimens of 1 week-group were stored for 1 week in calcium hydroxide paste under the condition of 100% humidity and 37℃. Specimens of 4 week-group were stored for 4 weeks in the same manner, but washed and replaced into new paste every week. Root canal walls of these specimens were examined and compared with a scanning electron microscope. Remaining layer of odontoblasts was prominent in control group, but disappeared completely in 1 and 4 week-group. However, predentine remained almost intact in 1 week-group, and with slight surface erosion even in 4 week-group. It was found that calcium hydroxide paste dressing can dissolve remaining odontoblastic layer, but scarcely predentine.
