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Updated: Sep 7, 2026
Microhardness Measurements on Tooth and Alveolar Bone in Rodent Oral Disease Models
Published on: April 26, 2024
Dentin microhardness changes and smears layer removal following conventional versus alternative irrigation regimens
Shefali Talekar1, Adiya Apon2, Sarita Vikram Singh3
1Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Abstract:
Effective irrigation during root canal treatment is essential for disinfection and smear layer removal, through its effects on dentin microstructure remain insufficiently explored. Therefore, it is of interest to compare the five irrigation protocols-NaOCl/EDTA, NaOCl/ citric acid, CHX/EDTA, MTAD and QMix-on dentin microhardness and smear layer removal. All experimental groups showed significant microhardness reduction compared with control, with NaOCl/EDTA causing the greatest decrease. QMix and MTAD demonstrated superior smear layer removal with moderate effects on dentin hardness, while QMix showed consistent performance across root levels. Thus, data shows the QMix and MTAD provide a balanced alternative to conventional NaOCl/EDTA, maintaining effective smear-layer removal while reducing the negative impact on dentin microhardness.