Survey on the Pattern of Practice in Using Sodium Hypochlorite as Root Canal Irrigant

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most used endodontic irrigant due to its antimicrobial and organic tissue-dissolving properties. However, NaOCl solutions are unstable; exposure to light, heat, air, metals, and organic substances can reduce the available chlorine concentration with concomitant loss of antimicrobial and tissue-dissolving properties. NaOCl delivery mode during endodontic treatment plays a role in its efficacy in reaching the intricate anatomy of the root canal system. This study sought to investigate the practice patterns of Malaysian dental practitioners concerning the type, storage, dilution, and delivery of NaOCl in their clinical settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Malaysian dental practitioners via the online platform. Ninety-seven respondents were recruited, which comprised 88.7% of general dental practitioners and 11.3% of dental specialists. The most common type of NaOCl used is domestic bleach, with the majority using concentrations of 3.5%–6%. Most dental practitioners store domestic bleach in a cupboard and use it diluted. If it is diluted, a majority of the NaOCl is diluted every time before each treatment. The closed-ended side-vented needle is the most common needle used for endodontic irrigation, and it is 30G in size. Manual activation is used to irrigate the canal. The majority of dental practitioners practise proper NaOCl handling to preserve its antimicrobial properties.