Comparative Evaluation of Effect of Three Different Root Canal Irrigants on Removal of Methylene Blue Dye after Photodynamic Therapy – An in Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: This study compares the effectiveness of different irrigants in removing methylene blue dye from root canals, which is essential to prevent chemical smear layer formation and tooth staining.

Objectives: To check the efficacy of three different root canal irrigants to remove methylene blue dye from the root canal after photodynamic therapy.

Methods: Forty extracted human mandibular premolars were collected. After biomechanical preparation of each root canal, PDT was performed using methylene blue dye and was activated using diode laser. After PDT, all samples were irrigated according to following groups: Group 1 − Control (0.9% saline solution); Group 2 – 3% Sodium Hypochlorite; Group 3 – 3% Hydrogen peroxide; Group 4 – Oxum solution. Each solution was activated using endoactivator for 2 min.  The color of the dentin of the each root canal wall was measured at baseline, immediately after the PDT and after final irrigation using a spectrophotometer..

Results: Sodium hypochlorite demonstrated the highest mean ΔE (indicating greatest color change) and saline the lowest.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, none of the tested irrigants 3% sodium hypochlorite, 3% hydrogen peroxide, or Oxum solution demonstrated statistically significant superiority in removing methylene blue after photodynamic therapy. Nevertheless, sodium hypochlorite produced the greatest mean color change, indicating the highest potential for dye removal, followed by hydrogen peroxide and Oxum