The antimicrobial effect of calcium hydroxide as a short‐term intracanal dressing

Summary. The antibacterial effect of calcium hydroxide as a short‐term intracanal dressing was clinically evaluated by applying the medicament for 10 minutes or 7 days in root canals of teeth with periapical lesions. The results showed that the 7‐day dressing efficiently eliminated bacteria which survived biomechanical instrumentation of the canal, while the 10‐minute application was ineffective.