Abstract
Complete debridement with smear layer removal are essential measures for achieving a successful outcome of root canal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chitosan at different concentrations on the removal of the smear layer and on dentin structure after 3 and 5 min of application. Twelve recently extracted maxillary canine teeth were instrumented using the crown-down technique and irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite. The specimens were distributed according to the time and concentration of the final irrigating solution: G1: 0.1% chitosan for 3 min; G2: 0.2% chitosan for 3 min; G3: 0.37% chitosan for 3 min; G4: 0.1% chitosan for 5 min; G5: 0.2% chitosan for 5 min; G6: 0.37% chitosan for 5 min. All samples were prepared for SEM analysis. G1 exhibited removal of the smear layer, but not the smear plugs. G2 showed visible and open tubules with slight erosion of the peritubular dentin. Cleaning in G3 was similar to that in G2, however, the erosive effect was greater. There was expansion of the diameter of the tubules in G4; and in G5 and G6, there was severe erosion with deterioration of dentin surface. In conclusion, 0.2% chitosan for 3 min appeared to be efficient for removing the smear layer, causing little erosion of dentin.
Highlights
The presence of smear layer in the root canal favors the adhesion and colonization of microorganisms [1], in addition to impairing the action of disinfectant solutions [2] and the penetration of sealing cements through the dentinal tubules [3]
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chitosan, at different concentrations and application times on smear layer removal and dentin structure
In the group treated with 0.1% chitosan for 3 min (G1), removal of the entire smear layer from dentin surface was observed (Fig. 1A)
Summary
The presence of smear layer in the root canal favors the adhesion and colonization of microorganisms [1], in addition to impairing the action of disinfectant solutions [2] and the penetration of sealing cements through the dentinal tubules [3]. For the effective removal of organic and inorganic components from the smear layer, irrigation with EDTA combined with different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has been recommended [4]. EDTA can be erosive to dentin, depending on its concentration and application time [6]. Sen et al [7] observed erosion of the root dentin after using EDTA in concentrations of 1, 5, 10 and 15% for 1 min. Another disadvantage is that EDTA is considered a pollutant, since this substance is not found originally in nature [4]
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