Comparison Of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Calcium Hydroxide Based Obturating Material In Primary Teeth - An In Vivo Study

Pediatric dentistry emphasizes the preservation of primary teeth until their natural exfoliation, and pulpectomy is the treatment of choice for primary teeth with irreversibly inflamed or necrotic pulp. Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE), though commonly used, fails to meet these criteria due to its limited antimicrobial activity and delayed resorption. Calcium hydroxide, widely used in pediatric endodontics, possesses a high alkaline pH, sustained ion release, biocompatibility, aiding in halting internal resorption and neutralizing acidic environments; however, its use as a sole obturating material is limited by poor sealing ability, high solubility, inadequate resorption, and restricted antimicrobial efficacy. To overcome these limitations, combination pastes have been introduced. Iodoform exhibits strong antibacterial activity, particularly against anaerobes, resorbs faster, reduces tissue irritation, and allows easy placement in tortuous canals, while providing synergistic antimicrobial action when combined with calcium hydroxide. Natural additives such as curcumin and propolis further enhance the properties of calcium hydroxide