Introduction Endogenous dentin matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to extracellular collagen matrix degradation in hybrid layers following adhesive dentin bonding procedures. Endodontic irrigants, including chlorhexidine (CHX) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) may help protect the hybrid layer from this process. The objective of the present study was to determine the exposure time necessary for EDTA to inactivate endogenous MMP activity in human dentin. Methods Dentin beams (2×1×3 mm) were prepared from mid-coronal dentin of extracted third molars. The beams were demineralized in 10 wt% phosphoric acid which also activated endogenous MMPs, and were divided into four experimental groups based on exposure time to 17% EDTA (0, 1, 2 or 5 min). A generic colorimetric MMP assay measured MMP activity via absorbance at 412 nm. Data were evaluated by Kruskal Wallis ANOVA, followed by Dunn’s pair-wise comparisons at α = 0.05. Results All exposure times resulted in significant inhibition (P<0.001) compared to unexposed controls. Specifically, percent inhibition for 1-, 2-, and 5-minute exposure times were 55.1±21.5%, 72.8±11.7%, and 74.7±19.7%, respectively. Conclusions 17% EDTA significantly inhibits endogenous MMP activity of human dentin within 1–2 min. This may minimize hybrid layer degradation following resin bonding procedures in the root canal space.

Objectives While screening the activity of potential inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), due to the limited water solubility of some of the compounds, they had to be solubilized in ethanol. When ethanol solvent controls were run, they were found to partially inhibit MMPs. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the MMP-inhibitory activity of a series of alcohols. Methods The possible inhibitory activity of a series of alcohols was measured against soluble rhMMP-9 and insoluble matrix-bound endogenous MMPs of dentin in completely demineralized dentin. Increasing concentrations (0.17, 0.86, 1.71 and 4.28 moles/L) of a homologous series of alcohols (i.e. methanol, ethanol, propanols, butanols, pentanols, hexanols, the ethanol ester of methacrylic acid, heptanols and octanol) were compared to ethanediol, and propanediol by regression analysis to calculate the molar concentration required to inhibit MMPs by 50% (i.e. the IC50). Results Using two different MMP models, alcohols were shown to inhibit rhMMP-9 and the endogenous proteases of dentin matrix in a dose-dependent manner. The degree of MMP inhibition by alcohols increased with chain length up to 4 methylene groups. Based on the molar concentration required to inhibit rhMMP-9 fifty percent, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), 3-hexanol, 3-heptanol and 1-octanol gave the strongest inhibition. Significance The results indicate that alcohols with 4 methylene groups inhibit MMPs more effectively than methanol or ethanol. MMP inhibition was inversely related to the Hoy's solubility parameter for hydrogen bonding forces of the alcohols (i.e. to their hydrophilicity).

The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the sealability of a recently introduced thermoplasticized gutta-percha technique (Trifecta, Hygenic Corp., OH, USA) in the presence or absence of a smear layer. A total of 100 teeth with single straight root canals were included in the study. The teeth were decoronated and the canals prepared with a modified double-flared technique under constant irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution. The apical matrix was prepared to size 40 and apical patency subsequently confirmed with a size 10 file. Four teeth were discarded for technical reasons and the remaining 96 allocated randomly into two groups of 44 teeth and a group of eight teeth which acted as controls. Canals in group 1 were obturated randomly with either cold lateral condensation of gutta-percha or with the Trifecta technique. Canals in Group 2 were rinsed with 17% REDTA to remove the smear layer and then obturated with lateral condensation or the Trifecta technique. All teeth were suspended in India ink for 9 days, demineralized, and rendered transparent prior to the assessment of apical linear dye penetration. Apical extrusion of sealer and gutta-percha occurred commonly but there was no significant difference between the four obturation groups. However, overall, there was significantly more extrusion of sealer with the Trifecta technique compared with lateral condensation (P < 0.05). The majority of canals (79 out of 88) had no evidence of apical leakage and there was no significant difference between the groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)