In root canal treatment cleaning is the removal of all the contents of the root canal system before and during shaping. Successful cleaning entails the use of instruments to physically remove substances, irrigation solutions to flush loosened material away and chemicals to dissolve contents from inaccessible regions. Irrigation is presently the best method for the removal of tissue remnants and dentin debris during instrumentation. Many irrigation solutions are commonly used nowadays. Sodium Hypochlorite and ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid are widely recommended as a root canal irrigants. These materials react with organic tissues, changing the chemical structure and affecting the mechanical properties of dentin such as its hardness. In the present study the effect of sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid on the physical properties of dentin was evaluated.!t was seen that irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and17% ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid weakens dentin by reducing its hardness. Thus it should be used judiciously.
Irrigation, dentin debris, organic tissues, hardness
