Effect of 3% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution on radicular dentin microhardness treated with and without diode laser (808nm) – An in vitro study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution on radicular dentin microhardness when treated with and without a diode laser. Methods: Thirty extracted tooth samples were randomly divided into 5 groups ( n = 6) based on the irrigating protocol used after biomechanical preparation. G1 – 3% NaOCl, G2 – 3% NaOCl + diode laser irradiation, G3 – 17% EDTA, G4 – 17% EDTA solution + diode laser irradiation, G5-Normal saline (control group). Roots were sectioned transversely from the coronal third. Specimens were mounted and polished using silicon carbide papers and finished with aluminum oxide paste. The specimen was then subjected to the Vickers microhardness test. One-way analysis of variance. Followed by post hoc Tukey was used. Results: Intergroup comparison showed that group 4 had significantly more reduction in dentin microhardness as compared to group 2, group 1, and group 5, P < 0.05. Conclusion: Radicular dentin microhardness decreased after irradiation with an 808 nm diode laser.