Effect of a Polyhexanide-Based Antiseptic Composition on Dentin Microhardness and Mechanical Properties: An In Vitro...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Root canal irrigants are essential in endodontic therapy.
• Common irrigants like sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) can compromise dentin's mechanical properties.
• Polyhexanide-based solutions present a potential alternative with a possibly safer profile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of a polyhexanide-based antiseptic with conventional root canal irrigants on dentin's mechanical properties.
• To evaluate the impact on microhardness, Young's modulus, and elastic deformation energy.

Main Methods:

• Sixty human dentin samples were prepared and baseline mechanical properties measured using Vickers microhardness and a Berkovich indenter.
• Samples were divided into groups and exposed to NaCl, 3% NaOCl, 2% chlorhexidine, 17% EDTA, 0.1% polyhexanide, or 0.2% polyhexanide.
• Post-treatment mechanical properties were reassessed, and data analyzed using non-parametric tests with Bonferroni correction.

Main Results:

• Sodium hypochlorite (3%) significantly reduced dentin microhardness and mechanical strength.
• EDTA (17%) caused severe surface degradation, preventing reliable post-treatment analysis.
• Polyhexanide-based solutions (0.1% and 0.2%) exhibited a milder effect, with only 0.2% polyhexanide showing a statistically significant change in elastic deformation energy.

Conclusions:

• Polyhexanide-based irrigants demonstrate a more favorable effect on dentin's mechanical properties compared to NaOCl and EDTA.
• These findings suggest polyhexanide formulations are a promising alternative for endodontic irrigation, aiding in the preservation of dentin integrity.