Effects of the penetration of a root canal filling material into the mandibular canal. 1. Tissue reaction to the material

The root canal filling paste Vitapex (Neo Dental Chemical Products Co., Tokyo), made of calcium hydroxide and iodoform with the addition of silicone oil, was experimentally introduced into the mandibular canals of 29 dogs. Tissue reactions to the paste were examined by radiography, histopathology, and electron microscopy. These examinations revealed that the paste was phagocytosed by macrophages and, in general, was gradually resorbed over time. The paste was also found to cause heterotopic calcification and/or ossification within the area of original penetration.