Evaluation of the effects of different chelation agents on root dentin roughness

Successful root canal treatment consists of many successive steps. To ensure success in root canal treatment; it is necessary to shape the root canal in accordance with its anatomical shape, in order to provide irrigation and the hermetic obturation of the entire canal system. At this point, the irrigation phase is one of the most important stages of endodontic success. Chelation agents support irrigation. They also create physicochemical changes when it comes in contact with the dentin, as well as removing the residual tissues. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of different chelation agents used in the irrigation phase on root dentin roughness. 25 extracted maxillary incisors were used in this study. After samples were separated longitudinally into halves, they were divided into 5 groups: Distilled water (control), NaOCl (5%), EDTA (17%), phytic acid (1%), citric acid (10%). Each group was kept in the relevant solution for 15 minutes. The samples were taken into AFM analysis for surface roughness analysis and EDX analysis for mineral content (Ca and P) analysis, respectively. One way Anova and Turkey tests were used in the statistical analysis of the study. The results of this study showed that EDTA, citric acid and phytic acid solutions increased the roughness of the dentin surface. Phytic acid and citric acid solutions decreased the Ca/P ratio in dentin tissue. No statistical difference was observed in the other groups. The higher removal of calcium from root dentin in phytic acid and citric acid solutions will affect the properties of the dentin surface such as roughness, permeability, and microhardness. When using these agents in root canal treatment, care should be taken; considering the effects they will create. The increase in surface roughness caused by chelating agents may provide clinical benefit by supporting the adhesion of the root canal filling materials to the dentin surface. Key Words: Chelation, Irrigation, Dentin roughness, Phytic acid, Citric acid, Endodontics