Dye diffusion in instrumented root canals irrigated with different solutions

Success in endodontics depends largely on the activity of the irrigation solutions used during canal cleaning and shaping. Sometimes the irrigation solutions should act deep within the dentin, particularly in cases of chronic infectious lesions, in which it has been found that germs can lodge in the depths of the dentinal tubules. The aim of this study was to compare the penetration of methylene blue in root dentin in instrumented teeth irrigated with different solutions, considering the apical, middle and cervical thirds. Single-rooted teeth were instrumented, irrigated, flooded with 2% methylene blue, washed and cut into thirds. Dye penetration in the dentin was measured by means of two procedures. Linear measurement: maximum dye penetration was recorded towards the four surfaces of each third. Area measurement: the stained surface of each third was measured on digitalized images. On analyzing the data with Friedman and Kruskall Wallis tests, it was found that there was greater penetration of methylene blue in the coronary third in all experimental groups, followed by middle and apical thirds. The mean values for the different groups using the linear method were EDTA 17%: 71.69% - 60.10% - 34.55%. NaOCl 2.5%: 54.04% - 41.79% - 27.53%. CHX 0.2%: 44.28%, 37.58%, 17.80%; and using the area method the mean values were: 17% EDTA: 61.52%, 45.44%, 27.08%. 2.5% NaOCl: 38.15%, 30.77%, 14.60%. 0.2% CHX: 40.95%, 35.46%, 12.27%,for the cervical, middle and coronary thirds respectively. Dye penetration was greatest with 17% EDTA, followed by 2.5% NaOCl and 0.2% CHX, whereas none was observed when distilled water was used.