EVALUATION OF pH CHANGES WHEN USING CALCIUM HYDROXIDE CONTAINING GUTTA-PERCHA POINTS IN THE ROOT CANALS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the pH changes of newly introduced calcium hydroxide containing gutta-percha points that are proposed for temporary filling of the root canals, and to compare it with that of the calcium hydroxide powder mixed with distilled water. 82 extracted human incisors were included in the study. Following biomechanical preparation, experimental teeth were divided into two groups as follows: Group I Calcium hydroxide powder mixed with distilled water (n=36), and Group 2 Calcium hydroxide containing gutta-percha points (n=36). In control group, the root canals were left empty (n=10). Obturated teeth and the controls were placed individually screw-capped vials containing 10 ml saline solution (pH=7). After 1 hour, 1 day and 7 days, the pH of the solution surrounding the tooth was measured and recorded. During the experiment, no significant changes were detected in the levels of control group. At the end of the experiment, the mean pH levels were found to be 8.71 in Group 1 and 7.05 in Group 2. In each group, no statistically significant difference was found with regard to the pH values after 1 hour and 7 days (p>0.05). However, when two groups were compared with each other, the statistical analysis of the pH values showed that there was a significant difference between the groups for each observation period (p<0.001).