Comparative post irrigation evaluation of calcium loss and its effect on microhardness of radicular dentin

This study was conducted to compare calcium loss and microhardness reduction of radicular dentin following treatment with 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid, 5% maleic acid, and MTAD, by estimating calcium loss, and radicular dentin microhardness by using Atomic absorption spectrophotometry and by Vicker's hardness tester. The results were statistically evaluated using one way ANOVA test and performed at 95% level of confidence and Spearman's correlation test was applied to determine correlation between calcium liberation and radicular dentin microhardness. All the experimental chelating agents bring about calcium loss and reduction in microhardness from radicular dentin.Study concluded that at 5 minutes, 5% maleic acid as a chelating agent causes the maximum calcium loss and microhardness reduction from radicular dentin, followed by 10% citric acid, MTAD, and 17% EDTA. Thus 5% maleic acid was the most effective chelating agent out of those used in the study and there is a positive and significant correlation exists between calcium loss from radicular dentin and microhardness reduction.