EFFICACY OF CALCIUM HYDROXIDE AS AN INTRACANAL MEDICATION IN MICROBIAL CONTROL

Abstract

Endodontic infections are associated with the persistence of microorganisms in the root canal system, whose elimination may be hindered by anatomical complexity and by bacterial organization into biofilms. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medication in microbial control during endodontic treatment. An integrative literature review was conducted, with a qualitative and descriptive-exploratory approach, covering publications from 2021 to 2026. The analysis included 24 original studies, of which 18 were laboratory or ex vivo investigations and six were clinical studies. The results showed antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide, although its efficacy varied according to the composition of the medication, the exposure time, and the microbiological characteristics of the infection. The persistence of Enterococcus faecalis and mature biofilms was one of the main limitations identified, while certain associations with antimicrobial agents performed better than the conventional formulation. The predominance of laboratory investigations limited the generalization of the results to clinical practice. It was concluded that calcium hydroxide remains an option for microbial control between endodontic sessions, and should be used as a complement to chemical-mechanical preparation and irrigation, considering the particularities of the infection and the limitations of its antimicrobial activity.