HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which chemical is primarily used to clean and sterilize in endodontics?

1. Sodium hypochlorite

2. Hydrogen peroxide

3. Alcohol solution

4. Chlorhexidine

The correct answer is: Sodium hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite is predominantly used in endodontics for cleaning and sterilizing root canals. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to dissolve organic tissue and eliminate bacteria, making it an essential component in the debridement process during root canal therapy. The chemical properties of sodium hypochlorite allow it to penetrate the intricate anatomy of the root canal system, ensuring thorough cleaning while also disinfecting the area, which is critical for preventing post-treatment infections. While hydrogen peroxide, alcohol solutions, and chlorhexidine are also utilized in dental procedures, they do not possess the same level of efficacy as sodium hypochlorite specifically in the context of endodontics. Hydrogen peroxide is more often used as a mild antibacterial agent, while alcohol solutions serve purposes such as surface disinfection and are not effective in dissolving tissue. Chlorhexidine is primarily used for its antibacterial properties and as an antiseptic, but it lacks the substantial tissue-dissolving capabilities that sodium hypochlorite provides, making it less suitable for cleaning root canals effectively.