Effect of ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid, MTAD TM , and HEBP as a final rinse on the microhardness of root dentin

Context: Evaluation of microhardness of root dentin provides indirect information on the change in mineral content of root dentin thereby providing useful information on the bonding quality of resin-based root canal sealers. Aims: This study evaluated the effect of 17% EDTA, MTAD, and 18% HEBP solutions on the microhardness of human root canal dentin using the Vickers microhardness test. Materials and Methods: Forty human single-rooted teeth were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction and sectioned longitudinally into buccal and lingual segments. Eighty specimens were divided into four groups ( n =20). Group I was treated with distilled water (control), groups II, III, and IV were treated with 1.3% NaOCl as a working solution for 20 minutes followed by 17% EDTA, MTAD, and 18% HEBP respectively. The surface hardness of the root dentin was determined in each specimen with a Vicker's hardness tester. The values were statistically analyzed using the one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey multiple comparison tests. Results: There was a statistical significant difference among all the groups (one-way ANOVA; P P P Conclusions: HEBP as a final rinse appears to be a promising irrigation protocol with less impact on the mineral content of root dentin.