Effects of calcium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite on the dissolution of necrotic porcine muscle tissue.

The dissolving effect of the endodontic medicaments calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on necrotic tissue was studied. Pieces of necrotic porcine muscular tissue were placed in either a 0.5% NaOCI solution (Dakin's solution), Ca(OH)2 mixed with water, or a NaOCI solution following pretreatment in Ca(OH)2 for various time intervals. The tissue pieces placed in 0.5% NaOCl were not completely dissolved after 12 days. When NaOCI solution was changed every 30 min, the tissue was completely dissolved after 3 h. Pieces placed in Ca(OH)= exhibited a marked swelling and a jelly-like consistency. The increase in weight was maintained for 24 h, after which a decrease was noted. After 12 days, the tissue was completely dissolved. Pretreatment with Ca(OH)2 for 30 rain caused the tissue to dissolve in NaOCI within 90 min. Pieces that were pretreated for 24 h or 7 days dissolved within 60 min. As a control, tissue pieces were kept in isotonic saline solution and these were not dissolved after 12 days. Apparently, long-term treatment with Ca(OH)= can dissolve necrotic tissue and pretreatment with Ca(OH)~ can enhance the tissue dissolving effect of NaOCI.