Influence of the endodontic treatment on mechanical properties of root dentin

This study evaluated the effect of endodontic treatment and storage time on the flexural and ultimate tensile strength of root dentin. Eighty bovine teeth were divided into endodontically treated (ET) and endodontically untreated (NT) teeth. The ET canals were instrumented and irrigated with sodium hypochlorite 1.0%. Roots were filled with gutta-percha and zinc-oxide/eugenol cement by the lateral condensation technique. Tests were performed as follows: t1, immediately; t2, 7 days; t3, 15 days; and t4, 30 days after extraction for NT groups or after extraction and endodontic treatment for ET groups (n= 0). Roots were axially cut into two halves, one half was used to obtain bars for performing the four-bending flexural test and the other half to obtain slices that were trimmed resulting in hourglass-shaped specimens for microtensile testing. Samples were submitted to the tests, and the data were statistically analyzed. Results indicated that endodontic treatment potentiated by time elapsed after endodontic treatment can affect the physical properties of dentin.