Impact of Triton solution irrigation protocol on root fracture resistance: a comparative in vitro study of different irrigation protocols

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of an irrigation protocol using Triton solution on the fracture resistance of treated root compared with other common irrigation protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four human mandibular premolars with single roots and single canals were decoronated to a length of 15 mm. The samples were prepared using the ProTaper system Universal Rotary System. The roots were randomly divided into four groups (n = 16 per group) according to the irrigation protocol used. In G1: (First experimental group), the canals were irrigated with Triton all-in-one irrigation during preparation and as a final irrigation. In G2: (Second experimental group), the canals were irrigated with 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) during preparation and 5.25% NaOCl + 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) + 2% Chlorhexidine (CHX) as a final irrigation. In G3: (Positive control group), the canals were irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl + distilled water. In G4: (Negative control group), the canals were irrigated with only distilled water. Each sample was tested for fracture on a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The fracture resistance of each sample was recorded, and the data were statistically analysed using a one-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests. The failure modes were observed and assessed. All data were analysed at a 95% confidence interval (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The mean fracture resistance values ranged from 297.81 ± 61.39 N in G1 to 364.50 ± 84.38 N in G4, with no observed significant differences among the groups (p = 0.112). Regarding failure patterns, oblique fractures were the most frequently observed type, followed by vertical and comminuted fractures, with no significant differences in their distribution among the groups (p = 0.993). CONCLUSION: Roots treated with the Triton solution protocol demonstrated fracture resistance similar to those treated with common irrigation protocols.