Effect of chelating agents on the microhardness of Biodentine

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of SmearOFF, 7% maleic acid (MA) and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), on the surface microhardness of Biodentine (BD). Materials and Methods: Forty BD cylindrical-shaped specimens were prepared using a split mold and were divided randomly into four groups (n = 10) based on the type of irrigant used for 1 min. In Group I, the specimens were treated with 17% EDTA, in Group II with 7% MA, in Group III with SmearOFF solution, and in Group IV with 5 mL distilled water. In all these groups, the irrigants were taken in a beaker and the samples were immersed with a magnetic stirrer placed to ensure complete wetting of the specimens. All the samples were then washed with distilled water and air-dried. The surface microhardness of the specimens was measured using Knoop hardness tester. Data were analyzed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-Test. The significant level was preset to P = 0.05. Results: MA significantly compromised the microhardness of BD followed by EDTA, SmearOFF, and distilled water which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). On comparison between 17% EDTA and SmearOFF, 17% EDTA reduced microhardness to maximum (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that microhardness of BD cement was generally affected by chelating agents.