Invitro Study to Assess the Impact of Chelating Agents on Microhardness of Primary Radicular Dentin

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the effect of two irrigating solutions on microhardness of radicular dentin of

primary teeth.

Methods: 10 buccolingual sections of roots of decoronated primary teeth were mounted in plaster, randomly

divided into two groups of 5 specimens each according to the irrigant used: group1 (5.25% sodium

hypochlorite with 17% EDTA) and group 2 (2-6% citric acid). Dentin microhardness was measured before

and after irrigation at apical, middle, cervical levels of the roots with a Vickers indenter.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the microhardness values of radicular dentine

before and after irrigation with both the agents. More reduction was seen with Citirc acid as compared to

EDTA with statistically significant difference (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Chelating agent when used as irrigants bring about a significant reduction in microhardness of

radicular dentine in primary teeth.