Influence of different chelating agents on the microhardness, surface roughness, and adhesion of biodentine to root...

This in vitro study evaluated the effects of different chelating agents on dentin properties influencing the adhesion of calcium silicate-based biomaterials. The effects of 9% etidronic acid and 0.2% chitosan nanoparticles on the microhardness, surface roughness, and push-out bond strength of Biodentine were assessed.

Seventy-five extracted maxillary incisors were divided into three groups according to the final irrigation protocol: 9% 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate (HEBP), 0.2% chitosan, or 0.9% saline (control). Dentin microhardness (Vickers hardness number) and surface roughness (Ra, µm) were measured before and after irrigation. For push-out testing, standardized cavities in 60 dentin discs were filled with Biodentine and stored for 24 h at 37°C and 100% humidity. Failure modes were examined under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD), Kruskal-Wallis, and paired t-tests (P < 0.05).

All groups showed a significant reduction in microhardness (P < 0.001), with the greatest reduction observed in HEBP. Surface roughness increased significantly and was highest in HEBP (P < 0.001). Push-out bond strength was higher in HEBP than control (P < 0.01), with no difference between HEBP and chitosan (P > 0.05).

Both agents improved Biodentine adhesion; however, chitosan caused milder dentin alterations, indicating greater potential for dentin preservation.