(TC41) Visual Effects of Sodium Hypochlorite on Necrotic and Inflamed Pulp Tissue

Classic literature supports copious irrigation with sodium hypochlorite during root canal procedure for the purposes of gross / bulk irrigation, disinfection, and dissolving pulp tissue. Pulp tissue contains nerves, arterioles, venules, and lymphatic vessels, held together by fibrous connective tissue.

Clinical

Case: A patient presents for a root canal on tooth #29. Endodontic diagnosis was necrotic pulp, symptomatic apical periodontitis. Clinical findings, diagnostic tests, and radiographs will be depicted in the poster.

During the access phase, a segment of necrotic pulp was removed. The attending Endodontic faculty identified this occurrence as a unique undergraduate dental student teaching opportunity to demonstrate the effect of sodium hypochlorite. The necrotic pulp tissue segment was measured and placed in a dappen dish containing 3% sodium hypochlorite. Photographs were taken every 5 minutes until the necrotic pulp dissolved.

A detailed “Time Map” of all photographs demonstrating the effect of sodium hypochlorite on the necrotic pulp will be displayed. In vitro considerations: 3% sodium hypochlorite, room temperature, and no agitation or fluid turbulence. Supporting literature will be footnoted.

Poster will also contain photographs demonstrating the clinical effect of sodium hypochlorite on inflamed pulp tissue during access preparation of a maxillary molar and a mandible molar.

This table clinic provides a graphic presentation when teaching the effects sodium hypochlorite irrigation during root canal treatment. This poster has applications beyond teaching undergraduate dental students. It can also be used when calibrating general dentistry clinical faculty to show the often-unseen effects of sodium hypochlorite when performing root canal treatment.