ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research was to investigate whether calcium ions from a paste of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and saline introduced into root canals diffuse through the dentin to reach the surface of the root. Six teeth were opened and submitted to a biomechanical process, after which all the smear layer was removed. The experiment was divided into three phases: dissolution, dissolution and diffusion I, and dissolution and diffusion II. Dissolution-each tooth, with no Ca(OH)2 paste in place, was sealed both cervically and apically and stored in 700 ml of deonized water until calcium losses from the tooth into the water were stabilized. Dissolution and diffusion I-each root canal was filled with a paste of Ca(OH)2 and saline, sealed again apically and cervically, and returned to its solution. Dissolution and diffusion II-samples were divided into three parts: the control group or group 1, containing the original paste; group 2, in which the existing paste was diluted and the teeth were resealed and replaced in their solutions; and group 3, in which the existing paste was removed and a fresh paste was introduced. The diffusion was greater in group 3, followed by group 2. In the control group, we found a diffusion of calcium, which is statistically null. The results showed that calcium diffusion was observed, in the first 16 days, in all situations in which there was Ca(OH)2 paste inside the root canals.