Sodium hypochlorite use, storage, and delivery methods: A Survey

• Main Author: Sumaya O Basudan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2019-01-01
• Series: Saudi Endodontic Journal
• Subjects: Endodontists; general dentists; root canal irrigants; Saudi Arabia; sodium hypochlorite
• Online Access: http://www.saudiendodj.com//article.asp?issn=1658-5984;year=2019;volume=9;issue=1;spage=27;epage=33;aulast=Basudan

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) delivery and storage methods by general dental practitioners (GDPs) and specialists. Materials and Methods: A self-reporting questionnaire was distributed to academic, governmental, and private dental centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The survey consisted of questions related to the concentration, duration, volume, delivery methods of NaOCl irrigation, storage materials, and conditions. Results: Of the 261 dentists that responded, 63.2% were GDPs, 21.8% were endodontists, and 14.9% were advanced restorative specialists. A NaOCl concentration of 2.5%–5% was the most commonly selected (52.7%), 37.2% used 5–10 ml for irrigation of each canal and 44.8% performed irrigation for <1 min. Dentists who used higher concentrations reported longer irrigation durations. Irrigant delivery by needles and a syringe was reported by 83.9% of respondents, but only 5.7% applied irrigation activation methods. Regarding storage conditions, 40% used clear containers, and 75.5% stored it at room temperature. Endodontists used significantly higher concentrations, longer durations, and activated the irrigant more than GDPs. Conclusion: The most commonly used NaOCl concentration is 2.5%–5%. The storage conditions of NaOCl and use of activation methods need to be improved. In addition, practices of specialists differed from those of GDPs with regard to concentrations, duration of irrigation, storage of NaOCl, and use of irrigation adjuncts.