Effect of different root canal irrigants on surface roughness and microhardness of Biodentine combined with triple antibiotic paste: An in vitro study

Background: Biodentine is widely used for endodontic applications; recently, it has been incorporated with triple antibiotic paste (TAP). The effect of endodontic irrigants on the physical characteristics of this new combination needs to be studied.

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the surface roughness and microhardness of Biodentine incorporated with TAP subjected to various endodontic irrigants.

Materials and methods: Hundred cylindrical discs (6 mm × 3 mm) were prepared by mixing the Biodentine with TAP (3:1). The specimens were subjected to different irrigating solutions for 5 min in 5 groups (n = 20): Group 1: distilled water (control), Group 2: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, Group 3: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Group 4: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and Group 5: 2% chitosan nanoparticles (CSNs). Half of the specimens in each group were subjected to surface roughness (n = 10) and another half to microhardness (n = 10). Surface roughness was measured using a surface roughness tester, and digital Vickers microhardness testing was performed on each specimen.

Statistical analysis: One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's tests (P ≤ 0.05) were used.

Results: The highest microhardness was found with 2% CSN, whereas 2% CSN and 2% CHX had a minimal effect on the surface roughness of Biodentine incorporated with TAP (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion: The root canal irrigant 2% CSN exhibited the highest microhardness and least surface roughness of modified Biodentine with TAP.