Search

Introduction - The primary objective of root canal therapy is reduction of the bacteria in the root canal. The effective debridement depends on thorough cleaning and shaping of the complex root canal system. Chemical débridements can be optimally achieved using various irrigants and intracanal medicaments. The primary irrigant of choice is Sodium Hypochlorite. It has excellent tissue dissolving ability along with antibacterial property. The purpose of this review is to discuss the need to heat Sodium Hypochlorite, techniques to heat Sodium Hypochlorite, effect of Sodium Hypochlorite on tissue dissolution, antibacterial efficacy, penetration into dentinal tubules, viscosity, and effect on Ni-Ti alloy and temperature rise on external surface of root. Method- An electronic search was carried out using the certain keywords: “sodium hypochlorite”, “heated sodium hypochlorite”, “prewarmed sodium hypochlorite”, “intracanal heating of sodium hypochlorite”, to collect literature available on Heat treatment of Sodium hypochlorite. Result- Forty One articles published between 1936-2020 were selected. Four main categories of data were highlighted: Sodium Hypochlorite and Heat, the need to heat Sodium Hypochlorite, different techniques to Heat Sodium Hypochlorite, effect of Sodium Hypochlorite on various parameters. Conclusion- The efficacy of lower concentration of sodium hypochlorite can be effectively enhanced by increasing its temperature. It enhance the pulp dissolution, antibacterial efficacy and flow without any adverse effect on periodontal ligament or outer surface of the root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The most exasperating aspect for pediatric patients in a dental setup is the fear and anxiety caused by injections, called "blenophobia". There are numerous local anesthetic agents available to reduce the needle prick pain. Taking into consideration the paradigm shift, there is always a possibility for alternate treatment options. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) application through an electronic acupuncture pen (Meridian Energy Acupuncture Pen W-912 GENERIC) and 2% lignocaine gel as an intraoral topical anesthetic agent in children. Method Patients aged 6 to 12 years were eligible for inclusion. The topical anesthetic agents were administered to the patients in a bilateral split-mouth technique. In Group A, 2% topical anesthetic gel was administered on the first visit on one side of the mandible and topical anesthesia through the electronic acupuncture pen was administered on the next visit, on the opposite side of the mandible. The electronic acupuncture pen was applied on one side of the mandible on the first visit, and on the next appointment, 2% topical anesthetic gel on the other side was administered in Group B. Sound, eye, motor scale (SEM) and faces pain scale-Revised (FPS) were used as tools of evaluation after local anesthesia was administered.  Results  The comparison between electronic acupuncture pen and 2% lignocaine gel using the SEM scale shows a statistically insignificant difference (p-value = 0.082). Similarly, a comparison of FPS values between both groups indicates no significant difference (p-value = 0.582). However, results show a reduced pain perception in both groups. Conclusion Topical anesthetic agents are commonly used to reduce needle prick pain in children. TENS through the electronic acupuncture pen, a revisited aid in scientific research, has proved its efficacy as a topical pain reduction measure during dental treatment. This device overcomes the shortcomings of the anesthetic gels and also nullifies the chances of overdosage, hypersensitivity, and disagreeable taste. Thus, this tool can be used in dental practice for the management of pain in children., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Deulkar et al.)