Sodium Hypochlorite in
Endodontics
Advantages and Disadvantages
Presented by: [Your Name]
Introduction
• • Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a commonly
used endodontic irrigant.
• • Known for its strong antibacterial and tissue-
dissolving properties.
• • Used in different concentrations (e.g., 2.5%,
5.25%).
Advantages – Overview
• • Economical & widely available
• • Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
• • Bleaching & lubricating properties
• • Dissolves organic tissue
• • Disrupts biofilms
• • Inactivates endotoxins
• • Disinfects gutta-percha
Antibacterial & Biofilm Disruption
• • Effective against a broad range of bacteria.
• • Warm or concentrated solutions enhance
efficacy.
• • Only irrigant capable of disrupting microbial
biofilms.
• • Multiple effects on biofilm bacteria (from
killing to detachment).
Tissue Dissolution & Activation
• • Strong tissue solvent for organic material.
• • Enhanced by:
• - Higher temperature
• - Longer exposure
• - Higher concentration
• - Ultrasonic activation (adds heat)
Endotoxin Inactivation
• • Effective in neutralizing Lipopolysaccharides
(LPS).
• • 5.25% NaOCl = calcium hydroxide (over
time).
• • Helps reduce inflammation & pain.
Gutta-Percha Disinfection
• • Kills vegetative bacteria quickly.
• • Improves bonding by increasing surface
wettability.
• • Requires final rinse with distilled water to
avoid crystal formation.
Disadvantages – Overview
• • Unpleasant smell and taste
• • High toxicity and corrosiveness
• • Inability to remove smear layer
• • Reduces bonding strength to dentin
• • Affects dentin's mechanical properties
Toxicity & Irritation
• • High concentration → potential for severe
tissue damage.
• • Can cause:
• - Ulceration, pain, swelling
• - Hematoma or necrosis (if extruded)
• - Long-term nerve damage in rare cases
Bonding & Smear Layer Issues
• • Cannot remove inorganic smear layer →
need for EDTA.
• • Weakens bonding due to oxidation of dentin
collagen.
• • Antioxidants (e.g., sodium thiosulfate) can
reverse bonding issues.
Mechanical Property Reduction
• • Reduces:
• - Modulus of elasticity
• - Microhardness
• - Flexural strength
• • Increases risk of tooth fracture post-
treatment.
Challenges in Regeneration
• • Interferes with:
• - Stem cell attachment
• - Dentin-pulp regeneration
• • EDTA or saline as final rinse helps mitigate
damage.
Conclusion
• • NaOCl is effective but must be used with
caution.
• • Combine with EDTA and controlled
activation for best results.
• • New research is refining its use for safer,
more predictable outcomes.
References
• • Cited references include: 1, 6, 9, 12, 14, 21,
23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33
• • Add full references if required.