Evaluation of the effect of cetrimide with edta on Microhardness and surface changes in root dentin – An invitro study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of cetrimide with or without EDTA solution on the microhardness and surface changes in root dentin. Single rooted human mandibular premolar teeth were decoronated and sectioned longitudinally. The root segments were horizontally embedded in autopolymerizing resin. These specimens were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups according to the irrigating solution used. The irrigating solutions used were 5% EDTA, 5%EDTA + 0.25% Cetrimide, 5%EDTA + 0.50% Cetrimide, 0.25% Cetrimide, 0.50% Cetrimide and distilled water. Each group was further divided into two subgroups. First subgroup specimens were employed for microhardness testing using vicker’s indenter. Second subgroup specimens were used to evaluate the surface changes of root dentin under stereomicroscope. Comparison of the mean microhardness of test groups was done using ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey’s test. Pre- and post- treatment hardness values were compared using student paired t test. The data obtained from surface erosion scoring was subjected to statistical analysis using Chi square test. Results of this study showed significant reduction in the microhardness of dentin for all the groups except for the distilled water (p<0.001). The greatest reduction in dentin microhardness was observed with Group-3 (5% EDTA + 0.50% CTR). Specimens in 5% EDTA group showed greater erosion than other groups. Within the limitations of this study it was concluded that all the tested irrigating solutions reduced the microhardness of root dentin except distilled water. Maximum reduction in microhardness was observed with addition of 0.50% cetrimide to EDTA. EDTA increased the surface roughness of root dentin irrespective of cetrimide association. Use of cetrimide at concentrations higher than 0.25% would be detrimental to the microhardness of dentin.