Abstract

Objective

To compare Triton with a conventional sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) final irrigation protocol regarding smear layer removal and effects on intracanal dentin microhardness.

Methods

Eighty single-rooted teeth with single canals were included. For smear layer analysis, 20 teeth were assigned to Triton or NaOCl/EDTA groups, instrumented to ProTaper Gold F4, and subjected to passive ultrasonic irrigation. Specimens were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy under 1000× magnification. For microhardness analysis, 60 teeth were assigned to saline, Triton, or NaOCl/EDTA groups. Knoop microhardness was measured in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds at 100 μm from the canal lumen using a 300-g load and 20-s dwell time.

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