Is a mix – A fix? “A microscopic analysis of depth of penetration of three combinations of irrigants”

The aim of the study is to evaluate the penetration depth of irrigants mixed with NaOCl into dentinal tubules at the apical third of the root canal using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Thirty-six single-rooted teeth were selected, decoronated, and straight-line access established. Then, the canal was enlarged with hand Protaper till size F3. The samples were divided randomly into three groups: Group 1 was irrigated with 3% NaOCl mixed with 1% phytic acid; Group 2 was irrigated with 3% NaOCl mixed with 18% etidronic acid; and Group 3 was irrigated with 3% NaOCl mixed with chitosan. The samples were subjected to CLSM evaluation. One-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc was used for statistical analysis. Group 3 (NaOCl with chitosan) showed a greater depth of penetration in comparison to Groups 1 and 2. Within limitations, it can be concluded that chitosan, in combination with NaOCl can be used as an alternative to the current irrigation protocol.