Flexural strength and microhardness of human radicular dentin sticks after conditioning with different endodontic chelating agents

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this in vitro study was to examine the impact of different endodontic chelating agents on the flexural strength and microhardness of root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty dentin sticks of (1 mm × 1 mm × 12 mm) were obtained from 10 single-rooted premolars and divided into four groups (n = 10). One stick from each tooth was assigned to one of the experimental groups and was soaked in one of the experimental chelating solutions for 5 min 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 2.5% phytic acid (PA), 18% etidronic acid, or saline (control group). Following the 5-min soak, the sticks' flexural strength was evaluated using a 3-point loading test using the universal testing machine, and the surface microhardness was tested using a Vickers's microhardness tester. RESULTS: PA (2.5%) and etidronic acid (18%) showed no significant detrimental effect on either the flexural strength or the surface microhardness of radicular dentin compared to the control. EDTA (17%) exhibited a significant drop in the flexural strength and microhardness of radicular dentin compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: PA and etidronic acid chelators do not compromise the surface and bulk mechanical properties of radicular dentin.