The Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticle as A Final Irrigation Solution on The Smear Layer Removal, Micro-hardness and Surface Roughness of Root Canal Dentin

Root canal irrigation is one of the most important stages during root canal treatment. One of the requirements of root canal irrigation material is that it can eradicate the smear layer but does not alter the physical properties of the root canal dentin.

To investigate the effect of chitosan nanoparticle as a final irrigation solution on the smear layer removal, micro-hardness and surface roughness of root canal dentin.

Seventy-two premolars used in this study and divided by three evaluations, namely smear layer removal, micro-hardness and surface roughness. Each study used 24 teeth and was assigned randomly into three groups of eight teeth. Group-1, final irrigation with 17% EDTA; group-2, with 0.2% chitosan nanoparticles; group-3, with 2.5% NaOCl. Specimens were evaluated for smear layer removal, micro-hardness and surface roughness using a Scanning Electron Microscope, Vickers hardness tester and surface roughness measuring instrument, respectively. Data obtained from smear layer removal evaluation were statically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U and data from micro-hardness and surface roughness were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test.

Final irrigation using 0.2% chitosan nanoparticles produced similar smear layer removal than 17% EDTA (P>0.05), but it was greater than 2.5% NaOCl (P<0.05). Chitosan had higher micro-hardness and lower surface roughness than EDTA (P<0.05), but it was the same as 2.5% NaOCl (P>0.05).

Final irrigation using 0.2% chitosan nanoparticles had the same effect on smear layer removal compared to 17% EDTA; however, 0.2% chitosan produced higher micro-hardness and lower surface roughness of root canal dentin than 17% EDTA.