Influence of endodontic irrigants on hydraulic cements: solubility, color alteration and surface changes

PurposeThis study evaluated the effects of different endodontic irrigation solutions on the solubility, color alteration, and surface roughness alterations of PD MTA and Biodentine.Materials and methodsCylindrical samples of PD MTA and Biodentine were prepared and subsequently immersed in distilled water, 17% EDTA, 5% NaOCl, 9% HEDP, and 0.2% chitosan nanoparticle solutions for 24 hours. Solubility was determined as the percentage mass loss at 24 h compared to initial values. Color alteration was analyzed using a spectrophotometer (CIE Lab system), and surface roughness (Ra and Sa) was measured with a confocal microscope. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests at a 5% significance threshold.ResultsNo significant differences in solubility were observed between PD MTA and Biodentine, but EDTA and chitosan nanoparticles significantly increased solubility compared to other solutions (p<0.05). Biodentine exhibited greater color alteration than PD MTA for all solutions except distilled water (p<0.05), with NaOCl causing the most pronounced color alteration (p<0.05). PD MTA showed higher surface roughness before and after immersion (p<0.05), with HEDP inducing the greatest roughness alterations in both materials (p<0.05).ConclusionEndodontic irrigants affect the physical properties of hydraulic cements, with varying impacts on solubility, color alteration, and surface roughness. Selecting appropriate irrigation solutions is essential to maintaining material integrity and esthetic outcomes in clinical practice.