Periapical repair action and antimicrobial activity through calcium hydroxide-based dressings: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Introduction: Endodontic therapy aims at shaping, cleaning, and disinfecting the root canal, being performed by removing all pulp tissue or necrotic remains and microorganisms present in the root canal system. Among the substances proposed as a delay dressing in the endodontic treatment of teeth with chronic periapical reaction, calcium hydroxide stands out. Objective: It was to demonstrate, through a comprehensive review, the main properties of calcium hydroxide, as well as its antibacterial action mechanisms. Methods: After literary search criteria, the selected studies were explored for the construction of the present study, following the PRISMA review rules. The review protocol was based on literary search criteria in major databases such as PubMed, Medline, Bireme, EBSCO, Scielo, and Web of Science. Results and Conclusion: A total of 65 articles were found. Initially, duplication of articles was excluded, resulting in 35 articles. A total of 20 articles were evaluated and 12 were included and developed in this review study. Calcium hydroxide is the most commonly used medication to fight disease-causing bacteria, but when used alone, it may not be able to eliminate these microorganisms. The association of other medications incorporated into calcium hydroxide contributes to positive results with the elimination of more resistant bacteria. Intracanal medications based on calcium hydroxide allow a positive effect on microbial reduction, decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinases.