An evaluation of horizontal depth of penetration of various irrigants into the dentinal tubules when used alone and in combination with diode laser: An in vitro study

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the horizontal depth of prenetration of various irrigants into dentinal tubules using sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine and diode laser when used alone and in combination. Materials and Methods: 60 single rooted extracted human teeth were collected. Access cavity was prepared and the canals enlarged to file size 30 of 0.04 taper rotary instrument. After decoronation, vertical grooves extending from coronal to apical thirds were done on proximal surfaces of each tooth roots. Following which EDTA was used to remove the smear laryer from the root canal dentin and a turbid suspension of Enterococcus faecalis was inoculated in the root canals and incubated at 370C for 24 hours. The teeth were divided into 4 groups of 15 teeth each: Group Group I positive control, Group II diode laser irradiation, Group III 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, Group IV 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate and diode laser irradiation. Irrigation of each group followed by the splitting the tooth into two halves were done within a lumina air flow chamber using chisel and a mallet. Prepared teeth samples from each group were then subjected to environmental scanning electron microscopy to the horizontal depth of penetration of various irrigation into dentinal tubules. Results: The horizontal depth of penetration of various irrigants were calculated in each group and statistical analysis done using Kruskal Wallis test for group comparison. The group where irrigation was done with 2.5% NaOCl, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate and irradiation with high power diode laser performed against Enterococcus faecalis showed the best results when compared with other groups. Conclusion: The horizontal depth of penetration was more when 2.5% NaOCl, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate in combination with 810nm diode laser was used.Hence this combination can be used for effective disinfection of the root canal system during chemomechanical preparation.Clinical Relevance To Interdisciplinary Dentistry Combination of NaOCl ,Chlorhexidine gluconate and Laser can be used for effective disinfection of the root canal system during chemomechanical preparation before we give a final restorationPrognosis of the root canal therapy will be better with prevention of reinfection with this combination of irrigantProlonged action of this combination of irrigants with laser which penetrate deep into radicular dentinal tubules will maintain the sterility of root canal system.