calcium hydroxide + iodoform

Calcium hydroxide + iodoform is a combination dental material widely used as an intracanal medicament and root canal filling material, particularly in pediatric endodontics. Calcium hydroxide acts by dissociating into calcium and hydroxyl ions, creating a high pH environment that is antimicrobial and promotes tissue healing and biomineralization. Iodoform contributes radiopacity to the mixture and provides additional antibacterial properties. The combination is resorbable when extruded beyond the apex of primary teeth, making it suitable for use in pulpectomy procedures for primary teeth nearing exfoliation. The addition of iodoform improves handling characteristics and radiographic visibility but does not significantly enhance the antimicrobial effect compared to calcium hydroxide alone[1][3][6][8]. Commercially available products include Vitapex (Diadent) and Neopex (Orikam Healthcare). This combination is primarily indicated for temporary or permanent root canal fillings, apexification, pulp capping, control of weeping canals/exudation, management of root resorption cases, and treatment of periapical lesions[10].

Brand names

VitapexNeopex

Other names

calcium hydroxide/iodoform pasteCa(OH)2/iodoform paste