Is a mix - A fix? "A microscopic analysis of depth of penetration of three combinations of irrigants"

Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the penetration depth of irrigants mixed with NaOCl into dentinal tubules at the apical third of the root canal using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).

Materials and methods: Thirty-six single-rooted teeth were selected, decoronated, and straight-line access established. Then, the canal was enlarged with hand Protaper till size F3. The samples were divided randomly into three groups: Group 1 was irrigated with 3% NaOCl mixed with 1% phytic acid; Group 2 was irrigated with 3% NaOCl mixed with 18% etidronic acid; and Group 3 was irrigated with 3% NaOCl mixed with chitosan. The samples were subjected to CLSM evaluation. One-way analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Group 3 (NaOCl with chitosan) showed a greater depth of penetration in comparison to Groups 1 and 2.

Conclusion: Within limitations, it can be concluded that chitosan, in combination with NaOCl can be used as an alternative to the current irrigation protocol.