Methods for disinfecting and cleaning dental root canals using a viscous sodium hypochlorite composition

摘要

A viscous disinfectant comprising sodium hypochlorite, water, and a thickening agent (e.g., fumed silica) is used to disinfect and sanitize a root canal during an endodontic procedure. The viscosity of the disinfectant enables the disinfectant to adhere to the walls of the root canal so that the sodium hypochlorite can disinfect and sanitize the walls of the root canal in a desired and controlled manner. The root canal is accessed and cleaned with endodontic tools, during which pulp is removed from the root canal. The viscous disinfectant is introduced into the root canal and adheres to the walls of the root canal until it is removed. While in the root canal, the viscous disinfectant disinfects and sanitizes the root canal so that it can be filled and sealed according to endodontic procedure.