Viscosity of endodontic irrigants: Infl uence of temperature

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the infl uence of temperature on the viscosity

of different endodontic irrigants.

Materials and Methods: The measurements of viscosity of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 0.9% sodium

chloride, aqueous solution of 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and 0.2% cetrimide, 5% sodium hypochlorite

(NaOCl) and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at different temperatures (22°C, 30°C,

40°C, 50°C and 60°C) were obtained using Mohr balance and Ostwald viscometer. The Shapiro-

Wilk test and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for the statistical analysis. (α = 0.05).

Results: No signifi cant differences were recorded at each temperature among 3% hydrogen

peroxide, 0.9% sodium chloride and aqueous solution of 0.2% CHX and 0.2% cetrimide. 5%

NaOCl and 17% EDTA showed the higher values. Viscosity statistically decreased with increasing

temperature.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, 5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA are signifi cantly viscous

at room temperature and their viscosity reduces with elevating temperature.

Key Words: Root canal irrigants, temperature, viscosity