Evaluation of permeability of root dentin after different irrigation protocols

Introduction/Objective. This study was aimed at evaluating dentin permeability after irrigation with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and final rinse with chlorhexidine (CHX), ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) + CHX, and new combination products: QMiX or MTAD. Methods. Roots of 60 maxillary incisors were randomly divided into five groups (n = 12) before instrumentation and irrigation with NaOCl according to the final irrigation regimen: CHX (2% CHX), EDTA + CHX (17% EDTA + 2% CHX), QMiX, MTAD, and control group (distilled water). After final irrigation, ten roots of each group were horizontally sectioned and dye penetration was evaluated in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds. Remaining samples were subjected to scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed with ANOVA/Tukey?s test. Results. Less dye penetration was found in CHX group compared with control as well as with QMiX and MTAD group in all thirds (p < 0.05). A significant difference between the control and EDTA + CHX, QMiX or MTAD group was observed only in the apical root third (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Dentin permeability was significantly reduced after final irrigation with CHX, but not after use of other final irrigation solutions, except in the apical third of the root canal.