Evaluation of diagnostic radiopaque contrast materials used with calcium hydroxide.

An evaluation of three different radiopaque materials used in combination with calcium hydroxide powder for diagnostic contrast was made. Diatrizoate meglumine (65%) and iothalamate meglumine (60%) compared favorably with barium sulfate (35%). Since barium sulfate has demonstrated problems by altering the manipulative properties of calcium hydroxide as well as demonstrating a residual radiopacity, there may be advantages to the use of resorbable diatrizoate or iothalamate compounds as alternatives. These soluble iodine compounds also make possible an excellent aqueous medium in which to mix calcium hydroxide.