Influence of calcium hydroxide dressing on the obturation of simulated lateral canals.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate what influence an interappointment dressing with calcium hydroxide might have on the ability to subsequently obturate simulated lateral canals. Twenty extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented at the working length to a #35 file before creating three simulated lateral canals on the mesial and distal surfaces of the root, one in each third, using a #15 engine reamer. After enlarging the root canals to a #45 file, the teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 10.