Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three final irrigation solutions with chelation properties [ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), novel silver citrate (NSC), and nanochitosan] on root canal dentin erosion and mineral content (calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (Ca/P ratio). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 premolars were used and assigned to four groups (n = 7): Group 1 17% EDTA; Group 2: NSC; Group 3: 0.2% nanochitosan; Group 4: saline (control). Each group was finally irrigated with a volume of 1 ml/min until the total final irrigation was performed for 5 min using a 30-gauge side vented needle, and the needle was inserted 1 mm shorter than the working length. Irrigation solution pH was netral. Each tooth was then divided into two parts: mesial and distal. The mesial section was evaluated for root canal dentin erosion, whereas the distal section was analyzed for the Ca/P ratio. Each section was evaluated at three levels (coronal, middle, and apical) of the root canal. Data on root canal erosion were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, whereas the Ca/P ratio was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. RESULTS: The EDTA-treated group exhibited the highest erosion, whereas the nanochitosan-treated group exhibited the lowest erosion of the root canal dentin (p<0.05). The nanochitosan-treated group exhibited the highest Ca/P ratio, whereas the EDTA-treated group exhibited the lowest ratio (p<0.05). The apical level had the highest Ca/P ratio but the lowest erosion compared with the other levels (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Nanochitosan demonstrated the lowest erosion and highest Ca/P ratio at all root canal dentin levels. Therefore, nanochitosan can potentially be used as a final irrigation solution.