Effect of Different Irrigating Solutions on Root Canal Dentin Microhardness-A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Root canal irrigation is crucial for endodontic success.
• Dentin microhardness is a key indicator of tooth structural integrity.
• Understanding irrigant effects on dentin is vital for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate how different irrigating solutions affect root canal dentin microhardness.
• To determine the influence of irrigant contact time and activation on dentin microhardness.
• To identify which irrigating solutions cause the most significant changes in dentin microhardness.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Literature search across PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct.
• Inclusion and analysis of 44 studies evaluating dentin microhardness changes.

Main Results:

• Dentin microhardness decreases with increased irrigant contact time.
• Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) caused greater microhardness reduction than other irrigants.
• Maximum reduction observed with 2.5% NaOCl after 15 minutes; EDTA, citric acid, and others also decreased microhardness.

Conclusions:

• Endodontic irrigating solutions alter dentin's chemical composition, reducing its microhardness.
• Prolonged NaOCl exposure significantly compromises dentin integrity.
• These microhardness changes may affect the clinical longevity of endodontically treated teeth.