Calcium Removal Effects of Several Endodontic Irrigants:A Flame Photometric Study

Calcium Removal Effects of Several Endodontic Irrigants:A Flame Photometric Study Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the extend of calcium ion removal on root canal dentin after MTAD, 17% EDTA, 2% iodine potassium iodide (IKI), 5.25% NaOCl, 2% Chlorhexidine treatments dependent to the application time. Distilled water was used as control group. Methods: Crowns of 55 single-rooted human teeth were removed and the roots were bisected longitudinally. The pulp remnants were removed with a toothbrush. Except the root canal surfaces, the specimens (n=110) were covered with two layers of nail varnish. Then, the specimens were dehumidified in a sterilizator for 45 min at 120 ˚C. The root halves were randomly divided into 11 groups. In each group the specimens were immersed in a magnetic stirrer bath containing 10 ml of test solution for 5 min and 10 min. MTAD solution applied only for 5 min. Flame photometry method were used to determine the amount of calcium ion released from the specimens after the application of the solutions. Results: For 10 min immersions, the greatest amount of calcium ion was liberated in the EDTA group (p<0.05). Regardless of the immersion time, the least amount of calcium ion was released in the control group (distilled water, p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the IKI (5 min) and Chlorhexidine (10 min) groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: IKI and Chlorhexidine solutions have the capability of calcium ion liberation from the root canal dentin for 5 min and 10 min. In addition EDTA and NaOCl solutions liberate more calcium ion than any other solutions from root canal dentin for both treatment periods.