The impact of maleic acid, carbohydrate-derived fulvic acid, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of human radicular dentin: an in vitro study.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), carbohydrate-derived fulvic acid (CHD-FA), and maleic acid (MA) on the flexural strength (FS) and modulus of elasticity (ME) of human radicular dentin. Materials and methods: Fifteen freshly extracted human mandibular premolars with single roots and single canals were selected. The teeth were decoronated 2 mm below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), and the roots were sectioned into buccal and lingual halves. Each half was used to prepare two standardized plano-parallel dentin bars (7 mm in length × 1 mm in width × 1 mm in height). The samples were then divided into four groups and immersed in their respective irrigating solutions for 5 minutes: saline (control), maleic acid, CHD-FA, and EDTA. Subsequently, FS and ME were evaluated using a three-point bending test. Results: Both EDTA and maleic acid reduced the FS and ME of radicular dentin. However, the study demonstrated that higher mean values for FS and ME were recorded in the CHD-FA and saline (control) groups compared to the EDTA and maleic acid groups. Conclusion: CHD-FA is recommended as an endodontic irrigant, as it does not compromise the mechanical properties of radicular dentin, specifically FS and ME.