In dentistry, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is used to irrigate root canals during root canal treatments. If chemicals, deep caries, or overheating during crown cutting lead to the death of the tooth nerve, technically referred to as the pulp
The dead pulp must be removed or extirpated and the hollow root canal must be sealed; this is done during a root canal treatment
First, the tooth is drilled open and the canal orifices are located. The canals are then cleaned and prepared with root canal instruments in a conical fashion. The teeth are intermittently irrigated throughout. Irrigation with NaOCl eliminates not only dentin chips and cell debris but also bacteria.
However, to achieve this, the canals must be irrigated for a sufficient amount of time
Furthermore, the solution should have a specific concentration. With 3% NaOCl, germs are killed after a sufficiently long exposure time (about three minutes), but the bone at the root apex remains undamaged. This animation now shows a tooth with cleaned and prepared canals. The working area is protected from saliva and the tongue by a rubber dam, which also prevents ingestion of chemicals; in this case, NaOCl.