The effects of sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on the microhardness of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and TotalFill Bioceramic Putty

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA on the Vickers microhardness of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, MTA Angelus (MTAA), and TotalFill Bioceramic Putty (BCP) after 24 h and 8 days. Twenty-four samples of MTAA and BCP were tested for baseline microhardness at 24 h. They were divided into four subgroups (5% NaOCl or 17% EDTA, 24 h, 5% NaOCl or 17% EDTA at 8 days) and microhardness was evaluated at different time-points. Results were recorded and analysed statistically via one-way anova Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc uncorrected Dunn's multiple comparison test. MTAA had a higher baseline microhardness than BCP. NaOCl reduced the microhardness of MTAA but increased that of BCP. EDTA reduced the microhardness for both materials at 24 h. At 8 days, EDTA reduced the microhardness of MTAA, while BCP exhibited an increase in microhardness. Enabling these materials to set for a week prior to exposure to irrigants improves their microhardness.