Chemical changes in root canal dentin of primary teeth after endodontic irrigation

Abstract

Background: The current root canal irrigants used in dentistry are either antibacterial or decalcifying agents or their combinations. These agents can alter the chemical structure of dentin as well as change its permeability and solubility characteristics. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mineral content of root canal dentin after irrigating with five different endodontic irrigation solutions Materials and Methods: Sixty primary anterior teeth were selected for the study. Cleaning and shaping was done by step-back technique and divided randomly into six groups (n = 10): BioPure™ MTAD (Group 1), QMix™ 2-in-1 solution (Group 2), 0.9% normal saline (Group 3), coconut water (Group 4), and 5.25% NaOCl (Group 5) and the uninstrumented ten teeth were grouped as Group 6. After irrigation with final irrigants, the teeth were longitudinally divided into two halves. The levels of six elements calcium, phosphorus, oxygen, carbon, arsenic, and fluoride at the coronal and middle third in each specimen was assessed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 20 using one-way analysis of variance, and the comparison of means was conducted using post hoc Tukey test. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the calcium level at the coronal third of radicular dentin after irrigating with five different irrigants when compared with the uninstrumented teeth group. The phosphate level at the coronal third of the radicular dentin significantly increased in all the groups except for the saline group. The other elements such as oxygen, fluoride, and arsenic also showed significant differences in the coronal and middle levels after the irrigation. Conclusion: The endodontic irrigation by various irrigants changed the mineral levels in primary tooth dentin