Effect of Q-Mix® and apple vinegar on penetration of alizarin red dye through dentinal tubules: A comparative confocal microscopic study

Abstract

Introduction: Effective treatment of an endodontic therapy aims for removal of microorganisms from the root canal. Therefore, intraradicular removal of the smear layer is essential for successful treatment. The aim of the study was to analyze area and percentage of alizarin dye penetration into dentinal tubules to investigate the elimination of smear layer among Q-Mix®, apple cider vinegar (ACV), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Materials and Methods: Thirty mandibular premolars were subjected to decoronation to 15-mm standardized length. Root canals were prepared and randomly allocated to three groups according to the final irrigation used: Group I: 10 mL of Q-Mix for 1 min, Group II: 10 mL of ACV for 1 min, and Group III: 10 mL 17% EDTA for 1 min. The samples were irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite labeled with 0.2% alizarin red dye and then horizontally sectioned to be examined under CLSM. Data were statistically analyzed. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: No statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was present in the area and percentage of penetration of alizarin dye into the dentinal tubules among Q-Mix, ACV, and EDTA groups at the distinct levels of the canal walls. Conclusions: Q-Mix, ACV, and EDTA revealed effective cleaning ability in the coronal and middle thirds when compared to the apical canal section.

Keywords

• apple cider vinegar
• confocal laser scanning microscopy
• ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
• q-mix®
• smear layer