Microstructural analysis of apical third after treatment with MTAD: an in vitro study

Aim: the goal of current endodontic treatment is to thouroughly clean, shape and tri-dimensionally obdurate root canals. The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate how acid pretratment of root surface can be an useful procedure for the above mentioned results.Methodology: the present in vitro study evaluated the microstructural acyion of MTAD, applied for 1,3 or 5 minutes, on root canal walls. The study was performed using SEM analysis and each specimen was judged accordin to a specific score which comprised both intra and peritubular cleanness and erosion of wall surfaces. Results. results showed that the use of MTAD did not allow perfect cleaning of the endodontic space and smear layer was still present. However a stastically significant differenced was noted among the test and control groups. Conclusions:MTAD showed a positive clinical action supporting the cleaning effect due to NaOCl irrigating solutions, but still complete elimination of smear layer was not obtained. As a result, ideal cleaning of the endodontic space is still not available with current materials and techniques.