A influência de soluções irrigadoras sobre a microdureza dentinária: uma revisão crítica da literatura

Abstract

Endodontic treatment aims to clean and shape the root canal system through the mechanical action of instruments combined with chemical irrigating solutions, which play an essential role in disinfecting the canal and removing organic and inorganic debris. Among the most commonly used irrigants are sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), each exhibiting distinct chemical properties and effects on dentin structure. This study aimed to conduct a critical literature review on the influence of these solutions on the microhardness of root dentin. A search was carried out in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Relevant in vitro studies were included without restrictions regarding language or publication date, while case reports and literature reviews were excluded. DeCS/MeSH descriptors were used, combined with the Boolean operators AND and OR. A total of 349 studies were identified, of which 39 met the predefined eligibility criteria. The results showed that NaOCl and EDTA, whether used alone or in combination, significantly reduce dentin microhardness due to demineralization and degradation of the organic matrix, whereas CHX has a less pronounced structural impact, making it a more conservative alternative. It is concluded that the careful selection of irrigating solutions and control of application time are essential to balance antimicrobial efficacy with the preservation of dentin’s mechanical properties, highlighting the need for more standardized studies to guide safe and effective clinical protocols.