Evaluation of methylene blue penetration capacity in root dentin of human teeth with and without sonication: a pilot study

Karolina Félix Solano, Edson Dias Costa Junior

Introduction: As the need for complementary antimicrobial therapies arises, photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promising results in the inactivation of microorganisms inside root canals. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the penetration capacity of a photosensitizer, i.e., methylene blue, inside the dentin at cervical, middle and apical levels of root canals of human teeth, while comparing different applications of the solution. Methods: The sample included 20 single-root pre-molars, distributed into four groups, which were subjected to chemical and mechanical procedures with rotary instruments and HCT20 irrigation. Each group received its own photosensitizer application. The action time of the substance inside the root canal was five minutes: Group 1 = 2% methylene blue; Group 2 = 2% methylene blue with 0.125% sodium lauryl sulfate; Group 3 = 2% methylene blue with sonication; Group 4 = 2% methylene blue 2% with 0.125% sodium lauryl sulfate and sonication. All teeth were cross-sectioned at the cervical, middle and apical levels, then observed under a surgical microscope. Results: Results were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA, Levene and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). Mean penetration ranged between 0.55 mm and 0.75 mm at the cervical third; 0.30 mm and 0.48 mm at the middle third; and 0.17 mm and 0.24 mm at the apical third. Conclusion: Results showed that no matter which solvent is used, and whether or not sonication is implemented, under the tested conditions there were no significant statistical differences among groups.

Keywords: Endodontics. Photochemotherapy. Methylene blue. Dentin permeability. Detergents. Tooth root.

How to cite: Solano KF, Costa Junior ED. Evaluation of methylene blue penetration capacity in root dentin of human teeth with and without sonication: a pilot study. Dental Press Endod. 2017 Sept-Dec;7(3):43-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14436/2358-2545.7.3.043-049.oar

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