[Calcium hydroxide-based pastes used in endodontics].

The aim of the present study is to propose a classification of calcium hydroxide pastes on the basis of the vehicle that retains the calcium hydroxide. The vehicle determines the working characteristics of the calcium hydroxide: viscous and only vehicles prolong the action of the calcium hydroxide as compared with water-soluble substances. Physicochemical properties of the vehicle may limit the effectiveness in disinfecting the entire root canal system. As calcium hydroxide is not effective against all bacterial species found in root canal infections, associations with other medicaments have been proposed to enhance the efficacy of the intracanal medication.