Comparative evaluation of Chloroquick with Triphala, sodium hypochlorite, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on the microhardness of root canal dentin: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Irrigating solutions used for the elimination of microorganisms during root canal preparation affect the chemical and physical properties of dentin, thereby rendering the tooth more prone to fracture. Therefore, the careful and judicious selection of irrigant is required which has maximum benefits with minimum undesirable properties. AIM: The study aimed to compare and evaluate the effect of Chloroquick with composition of 18% etidronic acid+ 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with other irrigants such as Triphala, NaOCl, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the microhardness of root canal dentin. METHODS: Forty freshly extracted non-carious single-rooted human teeth were collected and decoronated at CEJ to standardize the canal length. The roots were sectioned longitudinally to get two halves. Baseline microhardness evaluation was done using Vickers microhardness test before the immersion in irrigants; samples were then randomly divided into four groups (n=20), based on the irrigant used as follows: Group 1 – Saline; Group 2 – 5% NaOCl +17% EDTA; Group 3 – Triphala; and Group 4 – Chloroquick. Later, the samples were immersed in the irrigating solutions for 15 min at 37°C for each group and were then subjected to post-treatment microhardness testing. Microhardness values were recorded and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and intergroup comparison with post hoc Tukey test (P<0.05). RESULTS: The results of the present study showed that all the tested specimens showed a decrease in the microhardness values following application of different irrigating solutions except the control group. The use of Triphala and Chloroquick has minimal effect on the microhardness of root canal dentin post-treatment when compared with 5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. CONCLUSION: Chloroquick, as well as 0.005% Triphala, can be used safely as an irrigating solution with less detrimental effects on the hardness of root dentin. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: The newer irrigant Chloroquick shows less effect on dentin microhardness, thereby reducing the incidence of root fractures in patients postoperatively.