Apical periodontitis - Irrigation & desinfection

The root canal is irrigated with copious amounts of sodium hypochlorite (0.5 % - 5 %). Chlorhexidine solutions may be used in addition / in stead of hypochlorite. Smear layer is removed by irrigating with 17 % neutralized EDTA, e.g.

Calcium hydroxide paste is the medicament of choice in the treatment of primary apical periodontitis. However, in certain types of retreatments calcium hydroxide may not always be the optimal medicament. Recommendations regarding such cases, however, are still lacking.