Effect of gutta-percha solvents at different temperatures on the calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels of human root dentin

The aim of this study in vitro investigation was to evaluate the alteration s caused by warmed gutta-percha solvents on the calcium, phosphorus and mag nesium levels of root dentin. Extracted human anterior teeth, whose crowns and apical root thirds had been removed were used as root dentin specimens. The roots were sectioned longitudinally into two segments, cleaned and dri ed. Segments were divided into 12 groups (n = 12). In 6 groups, the specime ns received treatment with the following solvents at room temperature (22 d egreesC): Chloroform, xylene, eucalyptol, orange oil, halothane and saline (control). Within each group, the specimens were further subgrouped into tw o to be incubated (100% humidity at 37 degreesC) for 5 and 10 min, respecti vely, following treatment with the solvents. The remaining six groups were treated with the same solvents which had been previously warmed to body tem perature (37 degreesC) and received the same experimental procedures. The l evels of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in each specimen were analysed u sing energy dispersive spectrometric microanalysis. Statistical analysis of the readings showed that neither warming of the solvents nor prolonged inc ubation (treatment) time was capable of altering the histochemical composit ion of cut root dentin surfaces.