Evaluation of the effect of pre-treatment of intra-radicular dentin with various agents on bio-dentine’s sealing ability in immature roots: an ex vivo study

Introduction:
The effects of chelating agents and diode laser on apical seal of bio-dentine were not discussed pre­viously.

Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pre-treatment of intra-radicular dentin on the sealing ability of bio-dentine in immature roots.

Material and methods:
Forty single-rooted simulated immature teeth were randomly divided as per pre-treatment agent used: group 1: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); group 2: diode laser; group 3: 10% citric acid; and group 4: no pre-treatment applied. Canals were dried, and apical plug of 4 mm was formed with bio-dentine. Samples were subjected to sucrose penetration test, and were analyzed with spectrophotometer at 24 hours, 3 days, 15 days, 30 days, and 60 days’ time intervals. Collected data were statistically analyzed.

Results:
Diode laser-treated samples showed the least percentage of sucrose leakage, with mean of 0.0000 ± 0.000, 0.0002 ± 0.000, 0.0026 ± 0.0000, 0.0059 ± 0.0000, and 0.0062 ± 0.0000 after 24 hours, 3 days, 15 days, 30 days, and 60 days, respectively. The control group showed the maximum percentage of leakage, with mean of 0.0163 ± 0.0001, 0.0181 ± 0.0004, 0.0356 ± 0.0005, 0.0528 ± 0.0007, and 0.0543 ± 0.0007 after 24 hours, 3 days, 15 days, 30 days, and 60 days, respectively. The percentage of sucrose leakage values of 17% EDTA and 10% citric acid were in between diode laser and control group at all time intervals tested.

Conclusions:
Pre-treatment of dentin with diode laser, EDTA, or citric acid affected the sealing ability of bio-dentine. Diode laser significantly enhanced the sealing ability of bio-dentine, whereas 17% EDTA and 10% citric acid improved its sealing ability but not to the same extent as diode laser.