Which property makes sodium hypochlorite the primary irrigant in root canal treatment?

  • Correct answer

    It dissolves organic (necrotic and vital) pulp tissue and is antimicrobial

  • It removes the inorganic part of the smear layer by chelation

  • It is non-toxic if extruded into the periapical tissues

  • It provides long-lasting antimicrobial action by binding to dentin (substantivity)

This question is one of 15 in AFK practice: Endodontics. Test yourself on all of them.

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Explanations

  • Sodium hypochlorite is the only commonly used irrigant that dissolves organic tissue, and it has broad antimicrobial activity. Chelation of the inorganic smear layer is the role of EDTA, and substantivity is a feature of chlorhexidine.

    Source: Cohen's Pathways of the Pulp — oneguy

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