RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Chronic infections often require the use of an intracanal medicament. Calcium hydroxide is the most commonly used intracanal medicament. However, retrieval of calcium hydroxide (CH) medicaments is a challenge. AIM: This study evaluated the efficacy of 2% paradichlorobenzene, 10% citric acid, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and 0.2% chitosan in removing calcium hydroxide from the root canals. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty single-rooted mandibular premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were selected for the study. After access opening, cleaning and shaping were performed following a standardized irrigation protocol, and the samples were pre-weighed for baseline weight. CH was placed in canals until the apex, and the specimen was incubated at 37 °C and 100% relative humidity for seven days. These samples were weighed again for quantitative analysis and subjected to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for volumetric analysis using ITK SNAP software (Penn Image Computing and Science Laboratory (PICSL), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA). The samples were randomly divided into four groups based on the irrigant used for the removal of medicament. Group 1: 2% paradichlorobenzene; group 2: 10% citric acid; group 3: 17% EDTA; and group 4: 0.2% chitosan, all in combination with sonic agitation. After the removal of CH, weight and volumetric analyses were repeated, and the percentage difference was calculated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using the one-way ANOVA test for both weight and volumetric assessment, and the inter-group comparison was made using the post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: The maximum retrieval was observed with 2% paradichlorobenzene by both weight (96.75%) and volumetric (91.42%) assessment, with p=0.00 and p=0.01, respectively. This was followed by 0.2% chitosan, 10% citric acid, and the least, 17% EDTA. CONCLUSION: Two percent paradichlorobenzene combined with sonic agitation was most efficient in removing CH, followed by 0.2% chitosan, 10% citric acid, and 17% EDTA chitosan.