THE ROLE OF INTERMEDIATE IRRIGANTS IN THE PREVENTION OF THE FORMATION OF ORANGE-BROWN PRECIPITATE, FORMED DUE TO INTERACTION BETWEEN SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE AND CHLORHEXIDINE: A SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC ANALYSIS.
This study aimed to assess the efciency of intermediate irrigants in the prevention of formation of precipitate, formed due to the interaction of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine when used as root canal irrigants.The formation of orange brown precipitate, due to the reaction of 3% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine was assessed using spectrophotometric analysis. Three intermediate irrigants were then assessed for their capabilities to prevent the formation of the precipitate. Group A- 6.25% sodium metabisulphite, Group B- 10% sodium ascorbate and Group C- saline were used at different volumes and the values were recorded by measuring their optical density. An invitro analysis was further carried out on single rooted teeth, to verify the efcacy of intermediate irrigants. The teeth which were subjected to the tests were sectioned and observed under stereomicroscope for the presence of remnants of orange brown precipitate in the root canals. Results: The spectrophotometric analysis showed peak value at 450nm and the precipitate formation was found at 60µl of 2% chlorhexidine and 1 ml of sodium hypochlorite. There was statistical difference in the optical density values between the groups, with saline having highest optical density values followed by 6.25% sodium metabisulphite and 10% sodium ascorbate group. Wherein 10% sodium ascorbate solution prevented the formation of orange brown precipitate than other two group. It was concluded that 10% sodium ascorbate played a vital role in the reduction of formation of parachloro-aniline, when used as an intermediate irrigant. 6.25% Sodium metabisulphite also prevented the precipitate formation, to a lesser extent than sodium ascorbate. However, saline did not eliminate the formation of the precipitate.