Scanning electron microscopic observation of primary tooth dentin following final irrigation with 95% ethanol: An in vitro study.

Abstract

The beneficial effects of irrigants during endodontic treatment are well known; however, it may have some deleterious effects on the internal root canal wall, thereby altering its physical properties. The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of 95% ethanol on morphological characteristics of primary root dentin. Biomechanical preparation was done in twenty extracted single-rooted primary anterior teeth using Rotary ProTaper Universal System. Samples were divided into two groups based on the final irrigation protocol: nonalcohol group (NAG) and alcohol group (AG). 3% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid were used for irrigation in both the groups, whereas 95% ethanol was used as a final irrigant in AG. After the treatment, these teeth were longitudinally sectioned and studied under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM observation of NAG showed scattered debris with unaffected morphology of dentinal tubules (DT). In AG, DT showed severe erosion with the loss of peritubular and intertubular dentin. A final rinse with 95% ethanol can change the morphology of the internal root surface and aid in smear layer removal in primary teeth.