Role of Calcium Hydroxide in Endodontics: An Overview

Calcium Hydroxide has a widespread use in endodontics. Since the introduction of Calcium hydroxide by Herman in 1920, it has been acknowledged to be one of the most effective material used in dentistry. Calcium hydroxide is considered as a multipurpose agent and there has been an increasing number of indications for its use. It has been used in several treatment modalities in endodontics such as direct and indirect pulp capping, apexogenesis, apexification, treatment of resorption, iatrogenic perforations, root fracture, inter appointment intracanal dressings and as root canal sealers. It also has a major role in dental traumatology for example following tooth avulsion and luxation injuries. Despite certain drawbacks, calcium hydroxide is still considered as a gold standard medicament used in endodontics. This book provides a review on the composition and properties of this material along with detailed description of its various clinical applications with recent advances in the field of endodontics.