Assessment of Topographic Changes of Gutta-Percha Cones Treated with Three Different Reagents and a Final Rinse of Distilled Water- A Scanning Electron Microscope Study.

This study aimed to determine the topographic changes (TC) of gutta-percha cones (GPC) after disinfection with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 1% Alexidine (ALX) and MTAD with and without a final rinse with distilled water (DW). 140 GPC were divided into seven groups and treated with three types of disinfection reagent-5.25% NaOCl, 1% ALX and MTAD with or without a final rinse with DW. The TC changes of GPC were examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The obtained data was statistically analysed using SPSS software. 90% GPC were found to have deposit formation with 5.25% NaOCl which was statistically significant than as compared to groups treated with 1% ALX and MTAD (p<0.05). Moreover, significant difference in deposit formation were observed in the groups which received a final rinse with DW (p<0.05). ALX and MTAD were identified as the optimal disinfecting solution of GPC with a final rinse of DW. The TC seen in GPC were maximum with 5.25%NaOCl and minimal with 1% ALX and MTAD within a clinically acceptable time of 1 minute. It is crucial to conduct a final rinse of GPC with DW to remove any surface deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]