Effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic, etidronic and peracetic acid irrigation on human root dentine and the smear layer

Comparison of efficiency of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, citric acid, and etidronate in the removal of calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament using scanning electron microscopic analysis: An in-vitro study

Context:

Being integral to root canal therapy, obturation can be performed adequately only after the removal of intracanal medicament. One technique involves the use of chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid. Etidronic acid, a relatively new chelator, has smear layer removal ability and lesser dentinal erosion. It is untested in calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]₂) medicament removal.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of irrigation protocols (EDTA, citric acid, and etidronate) in Ca(OH)₂ removal.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-five single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated, instrumented, and filled with Ca(OH)₂. After 7 days incubation, Ca(OH)₂ was removed by three irrigation protocols (Group-I: 17% EDTA; Group-II: 10% citric acid; and Group-III: 18% etidronate). Roots were split and analyzed (scanning electron microscope, ×1500). Chelator solution pH was tested. Data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U-test.

Results:

Group-III (coronal-third) and Groups-I and II (middle-third) had highest cleanliness scores; Groups-II and III (apical-third) had lowest scores. Comparing the thirds, all groups showed difference in scores. pH of Groups-I, II, and III were 6.8, 1.4, and 0.3, respectively.

Conclusion:

The solution pH of citric acid and etidronate impacts their Ca(OH)₂ removal efficiency in different ways: the highly alkaline pH of Ca(OH)₂ increases citric acid pH toward neutrality, where it becomes an inefficient chelator; on the contrary, high acidity of etidronate compensates for its weaker chelation. Etidronate may not require 5 min duration for Ca(OH)₂ removal due to the likelihood of dentinal erosion.

Effect of Laser-Activated Irrigation with Ethylene Diaminetetraacetic Acid and Phytic Acid on the Removal of Calcium Hydroxide and Triple Antibiotic Paste from Root Dentin

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the efficacy of erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser-activated irrigation (LAI) of ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and phytic acid on the removal of calcium hydroxide (CH) and triple antibiotic paste (TAP) from root canals.

BACKGROUND DATA

Although some studies investigated the efficacy of LAI of EDTA irrigation, no study has been conducted to investigate the efficacy of LAI of phytic acid in the removal of CH and TAP from root dentin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Root canals of extracted maxillary incisors (n = 80) were instrumented using rotary files and thereafter were split longitudinally. Following preparation of a standardized groove in the apical region of one root half, the roots were randomly divided into two groups according to the intracanal medicaments placed into the grooves: (1) CH and (2) TAP. The roots were reassembled, and the specimens were further assigned into four groups (n = 10/group) defined by the final irrigation solution (EDTA and phytic acid) and irrigation technique (needle irrigation and LAI) used for removal of the medicaments. The data were analyzed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

For both EDTA and phytic acid, LAI was more efficient than needle irrigation in removing both CH and TAP (p < 0.05), but none of the tested techniques completely removed CH. Irrespective of the tested irrigation solutions and techniques, significantly less TAP remained in canals (p = 0.0001), with TAP being completely removed by LAI. Irrigation with phytic acid showed better removal efficacy than EDTA in the absence of statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Er,Cr:YSGG LAI of EDTA and phytic acid completely removed TAP and effectively reduced CH on root dentin.

Tooth tissue engineering: tooth decellularization for natural scaffold

AIM

Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary science that aims to produce replacement organs and biological substitutes. One of the techniques involves decellularizing a biological organ without altering its structure. One challenge is how to demonstrate which method would be better for this process.

METHODOLOGY

Fifty premolar teeth were divided into five groups: G1 (control): solution of 10% formaldehyde; G2: phosphate buffer saline (PBS), 28 g of tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA), sodium hypochlorite 2.5% (SH); G3: PBS, EDTA and 40v hydrogen peroxide (HP); G4: PBS, EDTA, SH, enzymatic detergent (ED); and G5: PBS, EDTA, HP, ED. Each group was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray, measured weights and color and received statistical analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that G5 was the most appropriate method to obtain a natural scaffold.

Effects of Dentin Debris on the Antimicrobial Properties of Sodium Hypochlorite and Etidronic Acid

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of dentin powder on the concentration, pH, and antimicrobial activity of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) alone and combined with etidronic acid (HEBP).

METHODS

Biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis were grown on the surface of dentin blocks for 5 days and then exposed to 1% and 2.5% NaOCl alone or combined with 9% HEBP for 3 minutes in the absence and presence of dentin powder. The biovolumes of the biofilm were measured using confocal microscopy and the live/dead technique. The available chlorine and pH of the solutions were also measured. Nonparametric tests were used to determine statistical differences (P < .05).

RESULTS

The presence of dentin powder resulted in a reduction of the free available chlorine and pH in all the irrigating solutions; 1% NaOCl lost its antimicrobial activity completely in the presence of dentin powder. The antimicrobial activity was significantly reduced in the 2.5% NaOCl and 1% NaOCl/HEBP groups, and it was not affected in the 2.5% NaOCl/HEBP group.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of dentin powder significantly decreased the available chlorine and antimicrobial activity of 1% NaOCl, 2.5% NaOCl, and 1% NaOCl/HEBP irrigating solutions. The antimicrobial activity of 2.5% NaOCl/HEBP was not affected by the dentin powder after a 3-minute contact time against E. faecalis biofilms.

Biological tooth root reconstruction with a scaffold of swine treated dentin matrix

Treated dentin matrix (TDM) is an ideal scaffolding material with odontogenic ability, which is important for supporting cell growth and regeneration of dental tissue.

Impact of Ultrasonic Activation on the Effectiveness of Sodium Hypochlorite: A Review

Using ultrasonic devices in endodontics can enhance the antibacterial and tissue dissolving ability of different root canal irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) which is the most common irrigant with excellent antibacterial and tissue dissolving abilities. However, due to its high surface tension, its penetration into the irregularities of the root canal system is a challenge. The purpose of this paper was to review the different ultrasonic devices, different types of ultrasonic irrigation, the effect(s) of ultrasonic activation on the antibacterial and biofilm-removal abilities of NaOCl as well as the effect of ultrasonic activation on the smear layer removal ability of NaOCl.

Influence of Concentration and Agitation of Sodium Hypochlorite and Peracetic Acid Solutions on Tissue Dissolution

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluated the tissue dissolution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and peracetic acid (PA) solutions at different concentrations, with or without ultrasonic agitation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The following solutions were analyzed: 2.5% NaOCl, 0.5, 1 and 2% PA, 1% PA associated with 6.5% hydrogen peroxide (HP) and saline. Fragments of bovine pulp tissue with 25 ± 2g mg were immersed into test tubes containing 4 mL of the solutions for 10 minutes. In the groups with agitation, pulp tissues were submitted to 2 cycles of 1 minute of ultrasonic agitation. The specimens were weighed after the removal from the solutions. The percentage of mass loss was calculated according to the difference of mass before and after exposure to solutions. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

A total of 2.5% NaOCl with or without agitation showed the higher tissue dissolution (between 64.5 and 67% of mass reduction) (p < 0.005). By comparing the PA solutions, the concentrations of 1 and 2% with or without agitation and the concentration of 0.5% with agitation showed similar dissolution activity (between 35.4 and 44% of mass reduction). The use of the ultrasonic agitation promoted an increase of the dissolution ability only for 0.5% PA.

CONCLUSION

Peracetic acid solution has pulp tissue dissolution. However, this ability is lower than 2.5% NaOCl solution.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The sodium hypochlorite solution shows higher ability to dissolve tissue than PA.

Effect of Peracetic Acid as A Final Rinse on Push Out Bond Strength of Root Canal Sealers to Root Dentin

BACKGROUND

Smear layer which was formed during the instrumentation of root canals hinders the penetration of root canal sealers to root dentin and affect the bond strength of root canal sealers to root dentin. Final irrigant such as demineralizing agents are used to remove the inorganic portion of the smear layer. In the present study, peracetic acid used as a final rinse, to effect the bond strength of root canal sealers to root dentin.

AIM

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of peracetic acid as a final irrigant on bond strength of root canal sealers to root dentin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty six freshly extracted human single rooted mandibular premolars were used for this study. After decoronation the samples were instrumented with Protaper upto F3 and irrigated with 5.25% NaOcl. The teeth were then divided into three groups based on final irrigant used: Group-1(control group) Canals were irrigated with distilled water. Group-2: Canals were irrigated with peracetic acid. Group-3: Canals were irrigated with smear clear. Each group was further divided into three subgroups (n=30) based on the sealer used to obturate the canals. Subgroup-1: kerr, Subgroup-2: Apexit plus, Subgroup-3: AH PLUS. Each sealer was mixed and coated to master cone and placed in the canal. The bonding between sealer and dentin surface was evaluated using push out bond strength by universal testing machine. The mean bond strength values of each group were statistically evaluated using Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post-hoc test.

RESULTS

Significant difference was found among the bond strength of the sealers. But, there is no statistically significant difference between the groups irrigated with peracetic acid and smear clear compared to control group. AH Plus showed highest bond strength irrespective of the final irrigant used.

CONCLUSION

Peracetic acid when employed as final irrigant improved the bond strength of root canal sealers compared to control group but not statistically significant than smear clear.

A comparative evaluation of smear layer removal by using edta, etidronic acid, and maleic acid as root canal irrigants: An in vitro scanning electron microscopic study

AIM

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 17% EDTA, 18% etidronic acid, and 7% maleic acid in smear layer removal using scanning electron microscopic image analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty, freshly extracted mandibular premolars were used. The teeth were decoronated to obtain working length of 17mm and instrumentation up to 40 size (K file) with 2.5% NaOCl irrigation between each file. The samples were divided into Groups I (17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)), II (18% etidronic acid), and III (7% maleic acid) containing 10 samples each. Longitudinal sectioning of the samples was done. Then the samples were observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) at apical, middle, and coronal levels. The images were scored according to the criteria: 1. No smear layer, 2. moderate smear layer, and 3 heavy smear layer.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Data was analyzed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Mann-Whitney U test for individual comparisons. The level for significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The present study showed that all the three experimental irrigants removed the smear layer from different tooth levels (coronal, middle, and apical). Final irrigation with 7% maleic acid is more efficient than 17% EDTA and 18% etidronic acid in the removal of smear layer from the apical third of root canal.

The effect of passive ultrasonic activation of 2% chlorhexidine or 3% sodium hypochlorite in canal wall cleaning

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to compare debris removal and open tubules effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX) applied as final irrigation in different protocols Study Design: sixty extracted premolars were divided into six groups according to the final irrigation technique: A and B 3 % NaOCl or 2 % CHX with the Miraject needle and no agitation; C and D, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with Irrisafe 20 tips and 3 % NaOCl or 2 % CHX; E and F, PUI with Irrisafe 25 tips and 3 % NaOCl or 2% CHX. The remaining dentine debris and opened tubules were evaluated by SEM at three root levels by two blinded investigators. The Kruskal Wallis and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare groups and levels, with a significance of p<0.05. Results: Debris elimination was significantly higher in PUI groups (p<0.05). PUI groups showed a higher capability to open tubules, compared to groups A and B. In the coronal third, groups D to F eliminated more debris and opened more tubules than conventional irrigation (p<0.05). In medium third, group E eliminated significantly more debris (1.60) than group A (2.60). No differences were obtained among groups in apical third. Both NaOCl and CHX applied with PUI showed no differences in debris elimination or opened tubules. Conclusions: Final PUI with Irrisafe tips was the most effective procedure for eliminating the debris and opening up dentinal tubules, independent of the irrigant solution or Irrisafe type size.

Key words:Ultrasonic irrigation, PUI, sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine.

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.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid on the surface roughness of acrylic resin polymerized by heated water for short and long cycles

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the surface roughness of acrylic resin submitted to chemical disinfection via 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) or 1% peracetic acid (C2H4O3).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The disc-shaped resin specimens (30 mm diameter ×4 mm height) were polymerized by heated water using two cycles (short cycle: 1 h at 74°C and 30 min at 100°C; conventional long cycle: 9 h at 74°C). The release of substances by these specimens in water solution was also quantified. Specimens were fabricated, divided into four groups (n = 10) depending on the polymerization time and disinfectant. After polishing, the specimens were stored in distilled deionized water. Specimens were immersed in 1% NaClO or 1% C2H4O3 for 30 min, and then were immersed in distilled deionized water for 20 min. The release of C2H4O3 and NaClO was measured via visual colorimetric analysis. Roughness was measured before and after disinfection. Roughness data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test.

RESULTS

There was no interaction between polymerization time and disinfectant in influencing the average surface roughness (Ra, P = 0.957). Considering these factors independently, there were significant differences between short and conventional long cycles (P = 0.012), but no significant difference between the disinfectants hypochlorite and C2H4O3 (P = 0.366). Visual colorimetric analysis did not detect release of substances.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that there was the difference in surface roughness between short and conventional long cycles, and disinfection at acrylic resins polymerized by heated water using a short cycle modified the properties of roughness.

Antibiofilm activity of three irrigation protocols activated by ultrasonic, diode laser or Er:YAG laser in vitro

AIM

To investigate the impact of three irrigation protocols, activated by three different methods, on mature biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis in vitro.

METHODOLOGY

Root canals in 280 single-rooted teeth were instrumented using a rotary Ni-Ti system. Biofilms of E. faecalis were generated based on a previously established protocol. Samples were randomly divided into three experimental (n = 80) and one control (n = 40) group based on the irrigation protocol employed: group 1 (NaOCl + Etidronic acid), 1 : 1 mixture of 6% NaOCl and 18% etidronic acid; group 2 (NaOCl-EDTA), 3% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA; group 3 (NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl), 3% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA and a final flush of 3% NaOCl. Saline served as the control. Samples were further divided into four subgroups (n = 20) based on the activation method: subgroup A, no activation; subgroup B, ultrasonic activation; group C, diode laser; group D, Er:YAG laser. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to assess bacterial viability in situ. Root dentine powder was obtained for determining the colony-forming units (CFU mL(-1) ). Data were analysed by appropriate statistical analyses with P = 0.05.

RESULTS

All experimental irrigation protocols caused complete destruction of the biofilm in the root canal lumen. Within the dentinal tubules, all groups had a significantly higher percentage of dead bacteria than the saline control (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between NaOCl + etidronic acid and NaOCl-EDTA-NaOCl (P > 0.05), whereas both groups brought about more bacterial reduction than NaOCl-EDTA (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between diode laser and Er:YAG laser in any of the groups (P > 0.05). Both diode and Er:YAG laser were more effective than ultrasonic activation and conventional syringe irrigation in reducing E. fecalis biofilms (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of NaOCl after or in combination with a chelator caused the greatest reduction of E. faecalis. Diode laser and Er:YAG laser activation were superior to ultrasonics in dentinal tubule disinfection.

Scanning electron microscopy comparison of the cleaning efficacy of a root canal system by Nd:YAG laser and rotary instruments

This study evaluated the cleaning efficacy of a root canal system by Nd:YAG laser and rotary instruments. Sixty single-rooted human teeth were divided into four experimental groups (n=15). In the first group the teeth were prepared with a step-back technique using conventional K-files. In the second and third groups, tooth preparation was carried out using Nd:YAG laser and rotary NiTi instruments, respectively. Teeth in the fourth group were prepared by combined laser and rotary methods. The smear layer remaining on canal walls was then assessed by scanning electron microscopy in the coronal, middle, and apical portions. The comparison of smear layer removal efficacy between groups was carried out by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. The mean grades of smear layer removal in rotary-laser, rotary, laser and step-back techniques were 1.34 ± 0.18, 2.2 ± 0.28, 1.91 ± 0.25, and 2.42 ± 0.19, respectively. On the whole, differences between rotary-laser and rotary groups, step-back, and the three other techniques (rotary, laser, and rotary-laser) were significant at p=0.034. Based on the findings of this study, the cleaning efficacy of rotary, laser, and rotary-laser techniques were better than the step-back technique and the combined laser and rotary technique was the most efficient method.

Effect of QMix, peracetic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on calcium loss and microhardness of root dentine

Objectives:

The objective of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of different chelating agents on the calcium loss and its subsequent effect on the microhardness of the root dentin.

Materials and Methods:

Ten single rooted lower premolars were selected. The teeth were decoronated and thick transverse sections of 2 mm were obtained from the coronal third of the root. Each section was then divided into four quarters, each part constituting a sample specimen from the same tooth for each group. The treatment groups were: Group 1 (Control): 5% Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 5 min + distilled water for 5 min; Group 2: 5% NaOCl for 5 min + 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 5 min; Group 3: 5% NaOCl for 5 min + 2.25% Peracetic acid (PAA) for 5 min and Group 4: 5% NaOCl for 5 min + QMix for 5 min respectively. The calcium loss of the samples was evaluated using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer followed by determination of their microhardness using Vickers Hardness Tester. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Post hoc Tukey test and Pearson correlation.

Results:

The maximum calcium loss and minimum microhardness was observed in Group 3 followed by Group 2, Group 4 and Group 1. There was a statistically significant difference between all the groups except between Groups 2 and 4.

Conclusions:

Irrigation with NaOCl + 2.25% PAA caused the maximum calcium loss from root dentin and reduced microhardness. A negative correlation existed between the calcium loss and reduction in the microhardness of root dentin.

Effective analysis of the use of peracetic acid after instrumentation of root canals contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of peracetic acid (PAA) in cleaning root canals contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis.

METHODS

Sixty first and second mandibular molars were used. Their mesiobuccal canals were prepared with the Reciproc System (VDW, Munich, Germany). The canals were irrigated with 10 mL saline during instrumentation. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 20), according to the irrigation solution to be used after instrumentation: group PAA (5 mL 1% PAA), group EDTA/sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (5 mL 17% EDTA followed by 5 mL 2.5% sodium hypochlorite), and group S (5 mL saline). Microbiological samples were collected before instrumentation and after final irrigation. Bacterial quantification was performed by counting the number of colony-forming units (CFUs/mL). The results were analyzed by the nonparametric Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

The 3 groups showed a significant reduction (P < .05) in CFUs/mL after final irrigation. PAA and NaOCl associated with EDTA produced a significantly higher reduction in CFUs/mL (P < .05) compared with saline. There was no statistically significant difference between PAA and EDTA + 2.5% NaOCl (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of the present study, the effectiveness of 1% PAA was similar to that of 17% EDTA + 2.5% NaOCl in cleaning curved root canals contaminated with E. faecalis.

Etidronate from medicine to endodontics: effects of different irrigation regimes on root dentin roughness

An increase in dentin roughness, associated with surface composition, contributes to bacterial adherence in recontaminations. Surface roughness is also important for micromechanical interlocking of dental materials to dentin, and understanding the characteristics of the surface is essential to obtain the adhesion of root canal sealers that have different physico-chemical characteristics.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA), etidronic (HEBP), and citric acid (CA) associated with different irrigation regimens on root dentin roughness.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-five root halves of anterior teeth were used. The root parts were sectioned in thirds, embedded in acrylic resin and polished to a standard surface roughness. Initially, the samples of each third were randomly assigned into 3 groups and treated as follows: G1 - saline solution (control); G2 - 5% NaOCl+18% HEBP mixed in equal parts; and G3 - 2.5% NaOCl. After initial measuments, the G3 samples were distributed into subgroups G4, G5 and G6, which were subjected to 17% EDTA, 10% CA and 9% HEBP, respectively. Following the new measuments, these groups received a final flush with 2.5% NaOCl, producing G7, G8 and G9. The dentin surface roughness (Ra) was determined before and after treatments using a profilometer. The Wilcoxon test (α<0.05) was used to compare the values before and after treatments, and the Friedman test (α<0.05) to detect any differences among root thirds.

RESULTS

(i) NaOCl did not affect the surface roughness; (ii) there was a significant increase in roughness after the use of chelating agents (P<0.01); and (iii) only the G3 group showed a difference in surface roughness between apical third and other thirds of the teeth (P<0.0043).

CONCLUSION

Only the irrigation regimens that used chelating agents altered the roughness of root dentin.

Evaluation of the interaction between sodium hypochlorite and several formulations containing chlorhexidine and its effect on the radicular dentin--SEM and push-out bond strength analysis

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the presence of debris and smear layer after endodontic irrigation with different formulations of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and its effects on the push-out bond strength of an epoxy-based sealer on the radicular dentin. One hundred extracted human canines were prepared to F5 instrument and irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Fifty teeth were divided into five groups (n = 10), according to the final irrigation protocol with different 2% CHX formulations: G1 (control, no final rinse irrigation), G2 (CHX solution), G3 (CHX gel), G4 (Concepsis), and G5 (CHX Plus). In sequence, the specimens were submitted to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, in the cervical-medium and medium-apical segments, to evaluate the presence of debris and smear layer. The other 50 teeth were treated equally to a SEM study, but with the root canals filled with an epoxy-based endodontic sealer and submitted to a push-out bond strength test, in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds. G2, G3, G4, and G5 provided higher precipitation of the debris and smear layer than G1 (P < 0.05), but these groups were similar to each other (P > 0.05), in both segments. The values obtained in the push out test did not differ between groups, independent of the radicular third (P > 0.05). The CHXs formulations caused precipitation of the debris and smear layer on the radicular dentin, but these residues did not interfere in the push-out bond strength of the epoxy-based sealer.

Efficacy of peracetic acid in rapid disinfection of Resilon and gutta-percha cones compared with sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, and povidone-iodine

BACKGROUND

The aim of this investigation was to compare the effectiveness of 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine, 1% peracetic acid, and 10% povidone-iodine in the rapid disinfection of Resilon (Pentron Clinical Technologies, LLC, Wallingford, CT) and gutta-percha cones contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis.

METHODS

Two hundred fifty-six samples consisting of 128 gutta-percha cones and 128 Resilon cones were used in this study. The materials were tested for disinfection according to the type of solution (3% NaOCl, 2% chlorhexidine, 1% peracetic acid, or 10% povidone-iodine), the time of exposure to each solution (1 or 5 minutes), and the type of microorganisms (E. faecalis or B. subtilis). Subsequent to the disinfection, samples were placed in test tubes containing 10 mL Mueller-Hinton broth and incubated at 37°C for 7 days. All test tubes were observed at 24-hour intervals and visually checked for turbidity, signifying microbial growth.

RESULTS

In this study, 1% peracetic acid showed the best results for both 1 minute and 5 minutes of disinfection, 2% chlorhexidine showed the second best results although it was statistically at par with peracetic acid, and 3% hypochlorite ranked third in disinfection; this was statistically significant when compared with peracetic acid and chlorhexidine. Disinfection by povidone-iodine was the least within all the groups for both contact times although disinfection for 5 minutes showed better results than disinfection for 1 minute for gutta-percha.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of this study confirmed the efficacy of 1% peracetic acid and 2% chlorhexidine in the rapid disinfection of both Resilon and gutta-percha.

A new weak chelator in endodontics: effects of different irrigation regimens with etidronate on root dentin microhardness

This study investigated the effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA), etidronic (HEBP), and citric acid (CA) associated in different irrigation regimens on root dentin microhardness. Forty-five root halves of single-rooted teeth were sectioned into thirds that were embedded in acrylic resin, polished, randomly assigned into 3 groups, and treated as follows: G1: saline solution; G2: 5% NaOCl + 18% HEBP, mixed in equal parts; and G3: 2.5% NaOCl. After measurements, the G3 samples were distributed into subgroups G4, G5, and G6, which were submitted to 17% EDTA, 10% CA and 9% HEBP, respectively. Following the new measurements, these groups received a final flush with 2.5% NaOCl, producing G7, G8, and G9. Microhardness was measured with Knoop indenter under a 25 g load for 15 seconds, before and after treatments. The data were statistically analyzed using paired Student's t-test (α<0.05) to compare values before and after treatments and analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α<0.05) to detect any differences among thirds. Except G1, all tested irrigation regimens significantly decreased the microhardness. There were no differences between root thirds before treatments, and all root thirds exhibited equal responses to same treatment. Except saline, all tested irrigation regimens reduced the root dentin microhardness.

The antimicrobial effect of new and conventional endodontic irrigants on intra-orally infected dentin

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate if the incorporation of antimicrobial compounds to chelating agents or the use of chelating agents with antimicrobial activity as 7% maleic acid and peracetic acid show similar disinfection ability in comparison to conventional irrigants as sodium hypochlorite or iodine potassium iodide against biofilms developed on dentin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The total bio-volume of live cells, the ratio of live cells and the substratum coverage of dentin infected intra-orally and treated with the irrigant solutions: MTAD, Qmix, Smear Clear, 7% maleic acid, 2% iodine potassium iodide, 4% peracetic acid, 2.5% and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was measured by using confocal microscopy and the live/dead technique. Five samples were used for each irrigant solution.

RESULTS

Several endodontic irrigants containing antimicrobials as clorhexidine (Qmix), cetrimide (Smear Clear), maleic acid, iodine compounds or antibiotics (MTAD) lacked an effective antibiofilm activity when the dentin was infected intra-orally. The irrigant solutions 4% peracetic acid and 2.5-5.25% sodium hypochlorite decrease significantly the number of live bacteria in biofilms, providing also cleaner dentin surfaces (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Several chelating agents containing antimicrobials could not remove nor kill significantly biofilms developed on intra-orally infected dentin, with the exception of sodium hypochlorite and 4% peracetic acid. Dissolution ability is mandatory for an appropriate eradication of biofilms attached to dentin.

Influence of dentin and enamel pretreatment with acidic sulfur compounds on adhesive performance

OBJECTIVE

This study tested the potential hampering effects of acidic sulfur compounds (ASC) containing hydroxybenzene sulfonic acid, hydroxymethoxybenzene sulfonic acid, and sulfuric acid, prior to self-etch and etch-and-rinse bonding procedures on enamel and dentin. According to the manufacturer, ASC should be applied after cavity preparation and prior to application of a primer in order to reduce the remaining biofilm in the preparation cavity. Despite promoted marketing, data on the investigated liquid are almost completely lacking.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and fifty-two extracted mandibular bovine incisors were embedded and polished to expose either enamel (E) or dentin (D). Then, specimens were randomly divided and conditioned as follows (n = 12/group): ASC and consecutive phosphoric acid application (E1/D1), ASC (E2/D2; E5/D5), phosphoric acid (E3/D3), and no conditioning (E4/D4; E6/D6). Groups were then treated with either Optibond FL(®) (etch-and-rinse; 1-4) or Clearfil SE Bond(®) (self-etch; 5-6). Hollow acrylic cylinders were bonded with a hybrid composite resin (Filtek Supreme XTE®) to the specimens, and the shear bond strength was measured (1 mm/min). In addition, failure types were assessed. Descriptive statistics and statistical analyses were performed with one-way ANOVA followed by the Scheffé post hoc test.

RESULTS

For enamel, the highest shear bond strength values were obtained applying routine bonding procedures (23.5 ± 5.6 MPa for etch-and-rinse and 26.0 ± 6.0 MPa for self-etch, respectively). In contrast, dentin pretreatment with a combination of ASC and phosphoric acid led to the highest shear bond values (22.8 ± 4.1 MPa).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that ASC prior to dental restoration placement cannot be recommended for etch-and-rinse procedures on enamel but is appropriate for dentin without interfering with routine bonding procedures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The application of acidic sulfur compounds prior to adhesive restoration placement should be restricted to dentin only as it may negatively influence shear bond strength on sound enamel.

Chitosan: a new solution for removal of smear layer after root canal instrumentation

AIM

To evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the efficacy of smear layer removal using chitosan compared with different chelating agents, and to quantify, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with flame (AASF), the concentration of calcium ions in these solutions after irrigation.

METHODOLOGY

The root canals of twenty-five canines were prepared using a crown-down technique and irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite. The teeth were randomly divided into groups (n = 5), according to the type of final irrigation: 15% EDTA, 0.2% chitosan, 10% citric acid, 1% acetic acid and control (without final irrigation). The total volume of each chelating solution was collected from the canals and analysed by AASF for quantification of calcium ions in the solutions. Then, the roots were split longitudinally and examined by SEM for evaluation of smear layer removal in the middle and apical thirds. Cleaning scores were attributed and analysed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. The AASF data were analysed by one-way anova and Tukey-Kramer test. A significant level of α = 0.05 was adopted.

RESULTS

15% EDTA, 0.2% chitosan and 10% citric acid had similar smear layer removal capacity with a significant difference (P < 0.05) from 1% acetic acid and the control group. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the smear layer remaining in the middle and apical thirds. The highest calcium ion concentration was observed with 15% EDTA (121.80 ± 5.13) and 0.2% chitosan (104.13 ± 19.23), with no significant difference. The lowest calcium ion concentration was obtained with 1% acetic acid (25.62 ± 7.68), whilst 10% citric acid (70.38 ± 11.15) had intermediate results, differing significantly from the other solutions (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

15% EDTA, 0.2% chitosan and 10% citric acid effectively removed smear layer from the middle and apical thirds of the root canal. 15% EDTA and 0.2% chitosan were associated with the greatest effect on root dentine demineralization, followed by 10% citric acid and 1% acetic acid.

Endodontic 'solutions' part 1: a literature review on the use of endodontic lubricants, irrigants and medicaments

Endodontic lubricants, irrigants and medicaments help prepare and disinfect root canal systems (RCS) but primary and secondary cases involve different microbes and therefore it is unlikely that one protocol will be effective for both case types. Each individual 'solution' or sequence of'solutions' could play a significant role in each case type, but there are no detailed published guidelines in existence. To help inform clinical practice it was decided to undertake a literature review followed by a UK and Republic of Ireland wide audit on current endodontic'solution' usage within dental schools. The literature review was undertaken under the following headings: pre-op oral rinse; file lubricants; root canal irrigants and intracanal medicaments and provides an evidence base for protocol development for both primary and retreatment cases.The audit project and the protocols developed from the findings of both the literature review and audit will be presented in Part 2.

Review of ultrasonic irrigation in endodontics: increasing action of irrigating solutions

Introduction: Effective irrigant delivery and agitation are prerequisites for successful endodontic treatment. Ultrasonic irrigation can be performed with or without simultaneous ultrasonic instrumentation. Existing literature reveals that ultrasonic irrigation may have a very positive effect on chemical, biological and physical debridement of the root canal system as investigated in many in vitro studies. Objective: The purpose of this review article was to summarize and discuss the available information concerning ultrasonic irrigation in endodontics. Methods: This article presents an overview of ultrasonic irrigation methods and their debridement efficacy. In this paper the relevant literature on passive ultrasonic irrigation is reviewed. Information from original scientific papers or reviews listed in MEDLINE and Cochrane were included in the review. Results: The use of ultrasound in the irrigation procedure results in improved canal cleanliness, better irrigant transfer to the canal system, soft tissue debridement, and removal of smear layer and bacteria. There are many in vitro studies, but there is a need to standardize protocols, and correlate the clinical efficacy of ultrasonic devices with improved treatment outcomes. Understanding the basis of ultrasonic irrigation is fundamental for clinicians and researchers to improve the design and use of ultrasonic irrigation.

Key words:Ultrasonic irrigation, ultrasound, smear layer, endodontics.