Effect of MTAD on Flexural Strength and Modulus of Elasticity of Dentin

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of MTAD on the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of dentin. Dentin bars were randomly assigned to eight groups treated with various concentrations of NaOCl (5.25%, 2.65%, 1.31%, 0.66%), 17% EDTA, MTAD, saline, or according to a clinical protocol with 1.3% NaOCl and then 5 min of MTAD. Specimens were subjected to flexural strength and modulus of elasticity tests. Two-sample t test (alpha = 0.05) showed no statistically significant differences between various groups except for a reduction in flexural strength for the 2-h MTAD group (p = 0.002) and the EDTA group (p = 0.002). A significant reduction of modulus of elasticity for the 2-h MTAD group (p < 0.001), EDTA group (p < 0.001), and 0.6% NaOCl (p < 0.002) also was noted. There was no significant difference in flexural strength and modulus of elasticity between the dentin bars exposed to saline or MTAD when applied according to the clinical protocol (p > 0.05). These results indicate that MTAD can be used as prescribed for clinical use without affecting the physical properties of the dentin.