Scanning electron microscopic observation of primary tooth dentin following final irrigation with 95% ethanol: An in vitro study

Background: The beneficial effects of irrigants during endodontic treatment are well known; however, it may have some deleterious effects on the internal root canal wall, thereby altering its physical properties. Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of 95% ethanol on morphological characteristics of primary root dentin. Materials and Methods: Biomechanical preparation was done in twenty extracted single-rooted primary anterior teeth using Rotary ProTaper Universal System. Samples were divided into two groups based on the final irrigation protocol: nonalcohol group (NAG) and alcohol group (AG). 3% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid were used for irrigation in both the groups, whereas 95% ethanol was used as a final irrigant in AG. After the treatment, these teeth were longitudinally sectioned and studied under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: SEM observation of NAG showed scattered debris with unaffected morphology of dentinal tubules (DT). In AG, DT showed severe erosion with the loss of peritubular and intertubular dentin. Conclusion: A final rinse with 95% ethanol can change the morphology of the internal root surface and aid in smear layer removal in primary teeth.