Comparison of obturation with lateral condensation, 0.04 and 0.06 taper single cone root fillings in extracted teeth

Aim  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) solutions individually and in alternating combination, on tooth surface strain. In addition, 5% NaOCl and saline were used alone under the same experimental conditions to act as controls and validate previous work.     

Evaluation of the surface free energy on root canal dentine walls treated with chelating agents and NaOCl

AIM: To evaluate ex vivo the effects of combined and single use of EDTA, RC-Prep and NaOCl on the surface free energy of canal wall dentine using the captive bubble technique. METHODOLOGY: Eighteen extracted human pre-molar teeth were sectioned at the crown and the apical third, the remaining mid-root portion were bisected longitudinally. Thereafter, the root halves were embedded in resin blocks that exposed the dentine surface of the canal wall. The specimens were randomly assigned to six experimental groups (n = 6) after polishing. The root dentine surfaces of the first two groups were treated with 17% EDTA or RC-Prep followed by 2.5% NaOCl irrigation. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were treated with either 17% EDTA, RC-Prep or 2.5% NaOCl alone. Control specimens were irrigated with saline solution. The surface free energies of experimental groups were calculated by measuring air and octane contact angles on the canal wall dentine. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U and Bonferroni post-tests at P = 0.05. RESULTS: Compared with the control group; combined and single use of EDTA, RC-Prep and NaOCl irrigation significantly decreased the surface free energy of canal wall dentine surfaces (P < 0.05). Among all groups tested, the use of NaOCl as a final flush following RC-Prep treatment yielded increased wettability. Nevertheless, this value remained lower than that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Use of chelating agents alone or in combination with NaOCl decreased the wettability of root canal wall dentine.     

Effect of sodium hypochlorite on mechanical properties of dentine and tooth surface strain

AIM: The aim of this study was to test the null hypothesis that sodium hypochlorite irrigation of root canals does not alter the properties of dentine and contribute to the weakening of root-treated teeth. METHODOLOGY: The effect of two concentrations (0.5%, 5.25%) of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and saline on (i) the elastic modulus and flexural strength of machined dentine bars, and (ii) changes in strain of 'whole' extracted human teeth were evaluated. One hundred standardized plano-parallel dentine bars (> 11.7 x 0.8 x 0.8 mm) were randomly divided into the three groups, immersed for 2 h in the respective solutions and then subjected to a three-point bend test. Changes in strain of each of 10 teeth on cyclical nondestructive occlusal loading were measured using electrical resistance strain gauges bonded to the cervical aspects. Each tooth had its crown and enamel reduced and root canal prepared. These were irrigated sequentially in a series of four separate, 30-minute regimes; initial-saline, 0.5% NaOCl, 5.25% NaOCl and final-saline. The changes in strains after each irrigation regime were compared. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in elastic modulus of the dentine bars immersed in 5.25% NaOCl compared with the saline group (P < 0.01). There was also a significant decrease in flexural strength of the dentine bars in the 5.25% NaOCl group compared to both the saline and 0.5% NaOCl groups (P < 0.01). The strain data from the nondestructive tooth loading tests revealed significant increases in tensile strain between the initial-saline and the final-saline stages (P < 0.01). Significant increases in compressive strains were also found between initial-saline and 5.25% NaOCl; and between 0.5% NaOCl and 5.25% NaOCl stages (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The null hypothesis was rejected, 5.25% NaOCl reduced the elastic modulus and flexural strength of dentine. Irrigation of root canals of single, mature rooted premolars with 5.25% NaOCl affected their properties sufficiently to alter their strain characteristics when no enamel was present.     

5种冲洗剂组合对前牙直根管清洁效果的比较

目的：比较5种冲洗剂组合对前牙直根管的清洁效果。方法：25颗离体直根管前牙,随机分为5组,不锈钢K锉常规法预备根管．应用5种冲洗剂组合进行冲洗。第1组：根管器械预备期间和预备结束后依次用1％NaOCl和3％H2O2冲洗;第2组：根管器械预备期间用1％NaOCl冲洗,预备结束后用17％EDTA冲洗;第3组：根管器械预备期间和预备结束后依次用1％NaOCl和17％EDTA冲洗：第4组：根管器械预备期间依次用17％EDTA和1％NaOCl冲洗,器械预备结束后用17％EDTA冲洗;第5组：根管器械预备期间依次用17％EDTA、1％Triton X-100(表面活性剂)和1％NaOCl冲洗．器械预备结束后用17％EDTA冲洗。每组冲洗剂剂量和冲洗时间均为22ml和7min。将牙纵劈后进行扫描电镜观察。结果：第1组,根管壁上见典型玷污层结构和大量杂质和残屑。第2组在根管冠、中1／3能部分去除玷污层．根尖1／3残留大量玷污层。第3组虽然能有效去除玷污层．但会引起牙本质小管中度腐蚀。第5组在根管冠、中1／3能部分去除玷污层,但根管壁上黏着大量杂质和残屑．此外还存在重度腐蚀现象。第4组根管清洁效果最好,且对牙本质小管无腐蚀性。结论：在严格控制冲洗时间和顺序的情况下,联合应用17％EDTA和1％NaOCl能有效去除玷污层．且不会腐蚀牙本质小管。     

17％EDTA与1％NaOCl组合用于根管超声冲洗抗菌效果的临床研究

目的研究17％EDTA＋1％NaOCl与超声波联合应用杀灭感染根管内厌氧菌的效果。方法将100例慢性根尖周炎患者共100颗患牙随机分为A组（2．5％NaOCl）、B组（1％NaOCl）、C组（17％EDTA＋1％NaOCl）、D组（17％EDTA）、E组（生理盐水）5组,每组各20颗患牙,采用手持器械预备根管后,分别采用2．5％NaOCl、1％NaOCl、17％EDTA＋1％NaOCl、17％EDTA、生理盐水超声法冲洗根管,根管预备前后分别取样进行厌氧培养。结果根管预备前后,五组根管内厌氧菌减少程度之间有显著性差异（P〈0．01）,其中C组（17％EDTA＋1％NaOCl组）厌氧茵的减少程度明显大于B组（1％NaOCl组）（P〈0．05）,显著大于D组（17％EDTA组）和E组（生理盐水组）（P〈0．01）,与A组（2．5％NaOCl组）之间无显著性差异（P〉0．05）。结论17％EDTA＋1％NaOCl与超声波联合应用可有效杀灭根管内的厌氧菌,其抗菌效果优于单独使用的1％NaOCl,与单独使用的2．5％NaOCl效果相近,是一种有效的根管冲洗液组合。     

Smear Layer Removal Using Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation and Different Concentrations of Sodium Hypochlorite

IntroductionThe present study evaluated the effect of passive ultrasonic activation (PUI) of EDTA solution followed by conventional irrigation with 2 concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on smear layer removal.MethodsFifty single-root mandibular premolars were chemomechanically prepared with ProTaper Universal (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) nickel-titanium rotary instruments and 1% NaOCl. The roots were cleaved, and the dentin surfaces were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy operated at a low vacuum. Images were obtained from previously demarcated areas in each root canal third. The teeth were reassembled and distributed into 5 groups according to the final irrigation protocols (n = 10): group 1, EDTA/PUI + 1% NaOCl; group 2, EDTA/PUI + 5% NaOCl; group 3, EDTA/CI + 1% NaOCl; group 4, EDTA/CI + 5% NaOCl; and group 5 (negative control), saline solution/PUI. After irrigation, the teeth were reseparated and prepared for conventional high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy of the same dentin surface that was previously analyzed. The amount of debris was classified using a 4-point scoring system. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests at α = 0.05.ResultsGroups 1 and 2, which used PUI and different concentrations of NaOCl, were not significantly different; however, they differed significantly from group 3 (P < .05). With respect to canal cleanliness at different root thirds, all groups showed the worst cleaning at the apical third.ConclusionsPUI activation of the EDTA irrigant is required when canal debridement is performed with EDTA and a lower concentration of NaOCl.     

Effect of Irrigants on the Survival of Human Stem Cells of the Apical Papilla in a Platelet-rich Plasma Scaffold in Human Root Tips

Introduction

Intracanal disinfection is a crucial step in regenerative endodontic procedures. However, this novel endodontic treatment lacks standardization, and numerous treatment protocols have been reported without knowledge of the effect of disinfection protocols on the survival of stem cells. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that different root canal irrigation protocols alter survival of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP).

Methods

SCAP were isolated from immature human third molars, and a subpopulation of STRO-1 expressing cells was selected and expanded in vitro. Standardized human root segments (n = 5/group) were irrigated with 1 of 4 protocols: (1) 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), (2) 6% NaOCl/17% EDTA/6% NaOCl, (3) 17% EDTA/2% chlorhexidine (CHX), or (4) 6% NaOCl/17% EDTA/6% NaOCl/isopropyl alcohol/2% CHX. Subsequently, STRO-1-enriched SCAP were mixed with platelet-rich-plasma, seeded into the root tips, and cultured for 21 days. Roots were then decalcified, processed for immunohistochemistry, and stained for vimentin and TO-PRO-3. The proportion of viable (vimentin-positive) cells was calculated on the basis of the total cell counts (TO-PRO-3) for each group.

Results

Irrigation with 17% EDTA best supported cell survival (89% viability; P < .001 versus all other groups), followed by irrigation with 6% NaOCl/17% EDTA/6% NaOCl (74%; P < .001 versus the 2 groups containing 2% CHX). Conversely, protocols that included 2% CHX lacked any viable cells.

Conclusions

Collectively, the results suggest that irrigants alone greatly affect the survivability of STRO-1-enriched SCAP within the root canal environment and that inclusion of EDTA in irrigation protocols might be beneficial in regenerative procedures.     

Effectiveness of 1 mol L-1 citric acid and 15% EDTA irrigation on smear layer removal

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the cleansing and smear layer removal capability of alternate canal irrigation with citric acid and NaOCl. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-one teeth were divided into three groups on the basis of the type of instrumentation, namely, manual stainless steel, Ni-Ti mechanized ProFile .04 taper or MACXim. The groups were further divided on the basis of irrigation protocol: 5% NaOCl alone, NaOCl alternated with 1 mol L-1 citric acid solution or a combination of 15% EDTA and Cetrimide solution. After longitudinal sectioning, dentinal walls were microphotographed with scanning electron microscopy at x300 and x1000 magnifications. Qualitative and quantitative cleansing level evaluations were performed using computerized image analysis software. Data were statistically evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis analysis and t-test. RESULTS: Qualitative evaluation at x300 and x1000 showed no statistically significant differences in cleansing ability between citric acid, EDTA and NaOCl groups. Quantitative evaluation of smear layer removal, measured as open tubules/total dentinal surface ratio, showed that 1 mol L-1 citric acid solution was comparable to EDTA (11.97% vs. 10.36%) (NS); in samples treated with ProFile .04 taper instruments citric acid was most effective (16.17%), whilst in the group treated with manual instrumentation EDTA and Cetrimide were the most effective (11.94%). Specimens irrigated with 5% NaOCl demonstrated significantly more cleansing than those obtained in the other two groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 1 mol L-1 citric acid solution was as effective in removing smear layer as EDTA, but was superior in specimens treated with ProFile .04 taper instruments.     

Effects of chelating agents and sodium hypochlorite on mineral content of root dentin

Effects of combined and single use of EDTA, RC-Prep, and NaOCl on mineral content of root dentin were evaluated in vitro using energy dispersion spectrometric microanalysis. Thirty-six standardized midroot dentin specimens obtained from human anterior teeth were used. Specimens were polished and divided into six experimental groups. The first two groups were treated with EDTA or RC-Prep followed by NaOCl irrigation. Groups 3 to 5 were treated with EDTA, RC-Prep, and NaOCl, respectively. The last group was irrigated with saline solution as a control. Levels of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were measured in the root dentin after treatments. The results showed that (i) EDTA combined with NaOCl irrigation as final flush and NaOCl alone changed the calcium/phosphorus ratio of root dentin significantly (p < 0.05); and (ii) there was a significant increase in the magnesium level after the use of chelating agent combined with NaOCl (p < 0.05). It was concluded that using NaOCl irrigation as final flush altered the effectiveness of chelating agents on root dentin.     

The efficacy of dynamic irrigation using a commercially available system (RinsEndo) determined by removal of a collagen 'bio-molecular film' from an ex vivo model

Aim  To compare the efficacy of three irrigation protocols using an established ex vivo bio-molecular film model.
Methodology  Thirty human teeth with single straight canals were randomly allocated to three groups [static, manual-dynamic, automated-dynamic (RinsEndo^®)]; each with a sub-group ( n  = 5) for needle position at 4 or 10 mm short of the working length (WL). The root canals were prepared to apical size 40, taper 0.08. The teeth were split longitudinally into two halves and a standard coat of stained-collagen was applied to the canal surfaces. The re-assembled teeth were irrigated using one of the protocols with the irrigation needle at one of two positions. Digital images of the canal surfaces, before and after irrigation with 18 mL of 2.5% NaOCl, were used to score surface coverage with stained-collagen using image-analyses (ipWin4^®). The data were analysed using linear regression models.
Results  The canal area covered with stained-collagen was significantly ( P  <   0.001) less after dynamic irrigation (manual/automated) compared with static irrigation; but automated-dynamic irrigation was significantly ( P  =   0.037) less effective than manual-dynamic irrigation. The 'orientation of needle port', 'corono-apical level of canal' and 'apical extent of needle placement' were significant ( P  <   0.001) factors influencing efficacy of irrigation. Residual collagen was most evident in the coronal third. Deeper penetration of the needle tip resulted in significantly ( P  <   0.001) more effective collagen removal.
Conclusions  Automated-dynamic irrigation was significantly more effective (16%) than static irrigation but significantly less effective (5%) than manual-dynamic irrigation. Irrigation was more effective (7%) when the needle was placed closer to WL.     

Effect of EDTA,Sonic, and Ultrasonic Activation on the Penetration of Sodium Hypochlorite into Simulated Lateral Canals: An In Vitro Study

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the penetration of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite alone or in combination with 17% EDTA in simulated lateral canals using sonic and ultrasonic activation.MethodsFour hundred and eighty simulated lateral canals were created in 80 single rooted cleared teeth by inserting 06 K-files at 2, 4.5 and 6 mm of working length. Samples were mounted on clear silicon to simulate the presence of surrounding periodontal tissues and its effects on fluid dynamics and then randomly assigned to four experimental groups: 1 (n = 20) 5.25% NaOCl + sonic activation; 2 (n = 20) 5.25% NaOCl + ultrasonic activation; 3 (n = 20) 5.25% NaOCl + 17% EDTA + sonic activation and 4 (n = 20) 5.25% NaOCl + 17% EDTA + ultrasonic activation. Sonic activation was delivered using the Endoactivator® inserted 2 mm short of working length and activated for 1 minute. Ultrasonic activation was performed with a stainless steel ultrasonic file inserted 2 mm short of working length and passively activated for 3 cycles of 20 seconds each. Samples were evaluated by direct observation of the images recorded under the operating microscope and by radiographic evaluation after irrigation with a contrast solution.ResultsSonic and ultrasonic activation resulted in a better irrigation of the lateral canals at 4.5 and 2 mm from working length compared to traditional needle irrigation alone. Traditional needle irrigation alone demonstrated significantly less penetration of irrigant into the lateral canals and was limited to the level of penetration of the needle.ConclusionThe addition of EDTA did not result in better penetration of irrigants into the lateral canals.     

Effect of endodontic irrigation on bonding of resin cement to radicular dentin

The influence of endodontic irrigation on shear bond strengths of resin cement to radicular dentin was investigated. Human radicular dentin blocks were divided into four groups and subjected to one of four endodontic irrigations: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) group, 17% EDTA for 60 s; EDTA/sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) group, 17% EDTA for 60 s followed by 10 ml of 5% NaOCl for 15 s; NaOCl group, 10 ml of 5% NaOCl for 15 s; and control group, no treatment. Morphological changes of dentin surface after endodontic irrigation were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A resin block was bonded to the radicular dentin after irrigation using resin cement with either wet-bonding (Uni-Etch/One-Step; Bisco) or self-etching (Tyrian SPE/One-Step Plus; Bisco) adhesives. Shear bond strengths were measured and the penetration of resin tags into dentinal tubules at resin-dentin interface was observed by SEM. With the wet-bonding system, the shear bond strengths for the EDTA/NaOCl group, in which dentinal tubules openings and uniform resin tag penetration into dentinal tubules were observed, were significantly higher than the EDTA and control groups. With the self-etching system, the shear bond strengths were significantly lower in the EDTA group compared with the NaOCl and control groups. The effects of endodontic irrigation on the bonding of resin cement to radicular dentin depended on the dentin bonding system used.     

Effects of different irrigating solutions and disinfection methods on push-out bond strengths of fiber posts

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of various irrigating solutions and photoactivated disinfection (PAD) on the push-out bond strengths of fiber posts to root dentin. Materials and methods. Thirty-two human teeth were divided into eight groups, as follows: (1) irrigation with physiologic saline (control), (2) NaOCl irrigation, (3) chlorhexidine (CHX) irrigation, (4) ethanol (EtOH) irrigation, (5) NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA irrigation, (6) NaOCl-EDTA supplemented with CHX irrigation, (7) NaOCl-EDTA supplemented with EtOH irrigation and (8) NaOCl-EDTA irrigation supplemented with PAD. After the posts were cemented, the roots were transversally sectioned to obtain four slices (1 mm thick) (n = 16). Push-out tests were conducted by applying a load at 0.5 mm/min, types of fracture failures were recorded and data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests (p = 0.05). Results. Push-out bond strength was significantly affected by the type of irrigating solution and the disinfection protocol (p < 0.05). The bond strength of the EtOH, NaOCl and NaOCl-EDTA-CHX irrigated groups was significantly higher than that of the other groups. The highest bond strength was observed in the EtOH irrigated group and the lowest was the NaOCl-EDTA irrigated group. Conclusions. Irrigation with NaOCl and EDTA combined caused lower bond strength than observed in the control group. However, supplementing this combination with CHX improved the post-dentin bond strengths; supplementing with PAD did not.     

Calcium loss from root canal dentin following EDTA, EGTA, EDTAC, and tetracycline-HCl treatment with or without subsequent NaOCl irrigation

The aim of this study was to determine the extent of calcium removal on root canal dentin after 17% EDTA, 17% EGTA, 15% EDTAC, and 1% tetracycline-HCl treatment; with or without subsequent use of 2.5% NaOCl. Extracted single-rooted human teeth were bisected longitudinally and the root halves (n=100) were isolated with nail varnish, leaving the root canal exposed. The samples were immersed in the test solutions for 1 and 5 minutes, after which the amount of calcium ion (Ca(2+)) release into the solutions was determined by flame photometry. Regardless of treatment time, all single (treatment solution only) and combined (treatment solution with subsequent NaOCl application) irrigation regimens removed significantly more Ca(2+) than control treatment (distilled water). Compared with other groups, treatment with 17% EDTA and 17% EDTA + 2.5% NaOCl resulted in the maximum amount of Ca(2+) removal from root canal dentin (p<0.05). All combined-treatment groups except 17% EGTA + 2.5% NaOCl removed significantly more Ca(2+) than their single-treatment versions (p<0.05). Within each test group, extending the treatment time to 5 minutes resulted in significantly more Ca(2+) removal (p<0.05).     

Effect of Root Dentin Conditioning on the Pushout Bond Strength of Biodentine

Introduction

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the main irrigant to clean root canals. Decalcifying agents are advocated as additional means to condition the root dentin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alternating (EDTA) or continuous 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic (HEDP) chelation in conjunction with NaOCl irrigation on the pushout bond strength of Biodentine (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fosses, France).

Effect of irrigants and cementum injury on diffusion of hydroxyl ions through the dentinal tubules

This study measured hydroxyl ion diffusion through dentinal tubules into a bathing solution. Eighty single-canal, instrumented teeth were divided into 8 groups. Control groups 1 and 3 were irrigated with 10 mL 0.9% saline and 10 mL 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), respectively. Control groups 5 and 7 were irrigated with 3 mL and 1 mL 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and then 10 mL 6% NaOCl, respectively. Experimental groups 2, 4, 6, and 8 were irrigated as groups 1, 3, 5, and 7, followed by placement of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) into canals. Bathing solution pH was recorded for 30 days, a cementum defect was made, and then pH was recorded for another 30 days. With a paired difference test, average pH during steady state was statistically different and higher after the defect (P < .001). With Tukey multiple comparisons, post-defect pH for group 6 was found to be significantly greater (P < .01) than in other groups. This study indicated final canal irrigation with 3 mL 17% EDTA and 10 mL 6% NaOCl before Ca(OH)2 placement allowed the greatest hydroxyl ion diffusion to the root surface.     

新型饵激光与超声对根管荡洗作用的对比研究

目的 比较Er:YAG激光中的SWEEPS模式(shock wave enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming,SWEEPS)和超声非切割(passive ultrasonic irrigation,PUI)两种荡洗方式对根管内粪肠球菌(Enterococcus faecali...     

The effects of calcium hydroxide removal methods on bond strength of Epiphany SE with two irrigation protocols

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of five calcium hydroxide removal methods on the bond strength of Epiphany SE sealer after canal irrigation with NaOCl+EDTA or NaOCl+MTAD. Materials and methods: The 120 roots were instrumented by using the ProTaper rotary system under irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and randomly divided into two major groups according to the final irrigation: 1.3% NaOCl + MTAD and 5% NaOCl + 17% EDTA. For controls, 10 roots from each of the final irrigations with NaOCl + MTAD and NaOCl + EDTA (20 roots) were not filled with Ca(OH)₂. The intra-canal paste, Ca(OH)₂ was applied to each of the 100 remaining roots and stored at 37°C for 7 days. Each group was sub-divided into five sub-groups (n = 10) according to the removal technique for the intra-canal dressing: Group-1: recapitulation with size 30 K file + 3 ml of saline solution, Group-2: recapitulation with size 30 K file + 3 ml of 5% NaOCl, Group-3: using 5% NaOCl + 17% EDTA, Group-4: using 5%NaOCl + 15% citric acid, and Group-5: using 1.3% NaOCl + 5 ml MTAD. The root canals were filled with Resilon and Epiphany SE sealer. The bond strength was measured. Results: The mean bond strength of Epiphany SE to root dentine irrigated with NaOCl + MTAD was lower than that of NaOCl + EDTA. The highest bond strengths were 3.31 ± 0.057 and 2.60 ± 0.054 in the NaOCl + citric acid group when Ca(OH)₂ was applied to roots treated with NaOCl + EDTA and NaOCl + MTAD, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: For root canals treated with NaOCl + EDTA or NaOCl + MTAD, the use of NaOCl + chelating agent for Ca(OH)₂ removal does not adversely affect the bond strength of Epiphany SE to dentin.     

Viscoelastic and chemical properties of dentine after different exposure times to sodium hypochlorite,ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and calcium hydroxide

This study aims to evaluate the viscoelastic and chemical properties of dentine after different durations of exposure to 5.25% NaOCl, 17% EDTA and Ca(OH)₂ solutions, and NaOCl in alternating combination with EDTA. Standard dentine bars were randomly assigned to: (i) formal‐saline control‐1; (ii) NaOCl; (iii) EDTA; (iv) NaOCl/EDTA; (v) formal‐saline control‐2; (vi) Ca(OH)₂ pH 12.6; and (vii) Ca(OH)₂ pH 9.8. Groups 1‐–4 underwent 10 min cycles of soaking and dynamic mechanical analysis up to 120 min. Groups 5–7 underwent similar tests at days 7, 14, 28 and 84. FTIR spectra of dentine discs exposed to the same regimens assessed surface chemistry. NaOCl or Ca(OH)₂ (pH 12.6) solutions reduced the organic (N‐H[1], N‐H[3], C=0) peak components of dentine. This study demonstrated that accumulative damage of dentine could be facilitated by alternated exposure to NaOCl and EDTA. Exposure of dentine to Ca(OH)₂ (pH12.6) for 7 days reduced viscous behaviour, inferring increased potential for fatigue failure.     

Enhancing the Intracanal Antibacterial Effects of Sodium Hypochlorite with Etidronic Acid or Citric Acid

IntroductionThis study evaluated the bacterial reduction promoted by root canal preparation using irrigation with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) alone, associated with etidronic acid (1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid [HEDP]) or alternated with citric acid, and after a supplementary agitation step.MethodsExtracted mandibular premolars were selected and distributed into 3 groups based on anatomically paired micro–computed tomographic analyses. The canals were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis for 30 days and then subjected to chemomechanical preparation with a reciprocating instrument under irrigation with NaOCl alone, mixed with HEDP (NaOCl/HEDP), or alternated with citric acid (NaOCl/CA). A supplementary agitation step with the XP-endo Finisher was performed in all groups. Intracanal bacteriological samples were taken before (S1) and after preparation (S2) and after the supplementary approach (S3). DNA was extracted from the samples and subjected to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsIntragroup analyses revealed a substantial bacterial reduction from S1 to S2 or S3 in all groups (P < .01). The supplementary agitation resulted in S2-to-S3 bacterial reduction of 6%, 68%, and 80% in the NaOCl, NaOCl/HEDP, and NaOCl/CA groups, respectively. Irrigation with NaOCl alone resulted in 53% and 47% of samples negative for bacteria in S2 and S3, respectively. Corresponding figures for NaOCl/HEDP were 75% and 85%, and 44% and 72% for NaOCl/CA. Intergroup analyses of S2 samples showed that NaOCl/HEDP was significantly more effective than the other 2 in reducing the bacterial levels (P < .05). After the supplementary approach, both NaOCl/HEDP and NaOCl/CA were significantly more effective than NaOCl alone (P < .05), with no significant differences between them (P > .05).ConclusionsBoth the freshly combined NaOCl/HEDP solution and the alternate use of NaOCl and citric acid followed by XP-endo Finisher agitation resulted in significantly higher intracanal bacterial reduction than NaOCl alone.