What is the purpose of using sodium hypochlorite in dental procedures?

Sodium hypochlorite is primarily used in dental procedures for the irrigation of root canals. Its effectiveness stems from its strong antibacterial properties and its ability to dissolve organic tissue, making it an ideal solution during endodontic treatment. When a dentist performs a root canal, the goal is to remove infected or necrotic tissue from the root canal system. Sodium hypochlorite aids in flushing out debris and disinfecting the canal, promoting a cleaner environment for subsequent procedures, such as filling.

The other options, while related to dental procedures, do not accurately describe the role of sodium hypochlorite. Pain relief during extractions typically involves analgesics or anesthetics, rather than sodium hypochlorite. Similarly, a local anesthetic is specifically designated for numbing tissues prior to procedures; sodium hypochlorite does not serve this role. Lastly, while promoting healing after surgery is crucial, this process usually involves different agents designed specifically for healing, rather than the use of sodium hypochlorite, which focuses on disinfection and not on healing.