Effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite gel and solutions in endodontics: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the superiority of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) liquid or NaOCl gel in disinfecting root canals. Methods: Online electronic databases such as PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase were explored for suitable studies. In this evaluation, papers were deemed eligible for the data extraction if they included in vitro experiments using NaOCl liquid or NaOCl gel for canal irrigation and its influence on the smear layer, as well as their elimination of the bacteria from the root canal. The review was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews with registration number CRD420223441126. Results: One hundred and sixty-one articles were found after initial screening and four articles were included for qualitative synthesis. Overall risk of bias was “high.” Two studies did not show significant variations among 2.5% NaOCl solution and gel. Conclusion: As per rigorous investigation done, NaOCl solution proved more efficient against Enterococcus faecalis than its gel form. More research is needed to determine the best effective NaOCl type, concentration, duration, and treatment regimens.

Keywords

• irrigants
• root canal therapy
• sodium hypochlorite
• sodium hypochlorite gel
• sodium hypochlorite solutions