Metrologic Evaluation of the Surface of White MTA After the Use of Two Endodontic Irrigants

This study examined the effects of calcium-depleting endodontic irrigants, ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and BioPure MTAD, on the dissolution, surface characteristics, and ultrastructural characteristics of white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). The latter was mixed in a 0.35 water-cement ratio, condensed into cylindrical wells created in Plexiglas platforms, and allowed to harden completely before initial treatment with 1.3% NaOCl and final treatments with either 17% EDTA for 5 minutes, or BioPure MTAD for 1, 3, or 5 minutes. Analysis of the mean depths of material removed using three-dimensional profilometry revealed significantly more material removed by BioPure MTAD. Although these minor depth changes (<10 microm) are unlikely to cause clinical concern, the BioPure MTAD-treated MTA surfaces exhibited higher surface roughness and with more calcium extracted when compared with EDTA treatment. Decomposition of particle-binding hydration phases by acid corrosion raises potential concern on the strength and sealing properties of MTA-repaired perforations following final irrigation by BioPure MTAD.