Effects of two disinfection/sterilization methods for dentin specimens on dentin permeability

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Dentin permeability is crucial for understanding material interactions and treatment outcomes in dentistry.
• Disinfection and sterilization methods can potentially alter dentin properties, affecting its permeability.
• Evaluating the impact of common laboratory procedures on dentin is essential for reliable research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of 70% ethanol disinfection on dentin permeability.
• To evaluate the impact of steam autoclaving sterilization on dentin permeability.
• To determine the suitability of these methods for research involving dentin permeability.

Main Methods:

• Human dentin disks (500-μm thickness) were prepared from third molars.
• Disks were acid-etched and randomized into two groups: 70% ethanol immersion (15 min) and steam autoclaving (25 min).
• Dentin permeability (Lp) was measured before and after treatment; surface morphology was examined using FE-SEM.

Main Results:

• 70% ethanol immersion resulted in a non-significant 17% increase in dentin permeability.
• Steam autoclaving significantly reduced dentin permeability by 66%.
• FE-SEM revealed collagen mesh compaction and collapse in autoclaved samples.

Conclusions:

• 70% ethanol disinfection does not significantly affect acid-etched dentin permeability.
• Steam autoclaving significantly reduces dentin permeability.
• 70% ethanol is a suitable method for disinfecting dentin in permeability studies; autoclaving is not recommended.