The Effect of 17% EDTA, 10% Citric Acid and 0.2% Chitosan on Smear Layer Removal and Microhardness of the Root Canal Dentin: An in Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction:

Achieving successful endodontic treatments requires adequate mechanical preparation and irrigation of the root canal, followed by three-dimensional filling. However mechanical instrumentation results in an irregular and amorphous smear layer within the root canals. Chemical and physical characteristics of dentin can be influenced by the irrigating solutions utilized during root canal preparation. Thus this study evaluates smear layer removal and microhardness reduction in middle and apical third using 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid, 0.2% chitosan using a scanning electron microscope and Vickers hardness tester.

Material and Methods:

Sixty extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were utilized. Access opening, cleaning and shaping was done with intermittent irrigation using 3% sodium hypochlorite after each file. Depending on the final irrigating solvent, they were divided randomly into three groups (n-15) group 1-17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), group 2-10% citric acid, group 3-0.2% chitosan. They were longitudinally sectioned after decoronation. To assess the smear layer at various levels, a scanning electron microscope examination was performed. Using a Vickers indenter, dentin microhardness was determined. One-way analysis of variance and a post hoc test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Studies revealed no statistical Significant variance in smear layer removal between 0.2% chitosan and 17% EDTA in middle and apical third but there was statistical significant with 10% citric acid. The Microhardness reduction of 0.2% chitosan, 10% citric acid, and 17% EDTA did not differ statistically significantly.

Conclusion:

The utilization of 0.2% Chitosan as a final rinse irrigant shows promising potential as an alternative to EDTA.