The effect of nanobased irrigants on the root canal dentin microhardness: an ex-vivo study

Abstract Background Given the favorable antimicrobial properties of zinc oxide (ZnONPs), standard silver (AgNPs), and imidazolium-based (Im-AgNPs) nanoparticles, this study aimed to evaluate their influence on microhardness root canal dentin. Methods In experimental study, 40 mandibular premolars were decoronated at cementoenamel junction longitudinally sectioned into halves create 80 specimens. They randomly allocated 5 groups (n = 16) irrigated with ZnONPs, AgNPs, Im-AgNPs, NaOCl, or normal saline (as negative control) for 15 min. The Vickers Hardness Number (VHN) was measured each third before after being soaked in irrigants. Statistical analysis performed using paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey’s test (α 0.05). Results Im-AgNPs ZnONPs irrigants improved dentin, whereas, AgNPs NaOCl decreased it. yielded highest VHN coronal (P˂0.001), while provided middle apical thirds (P˂0.001). group showed lowest third. Conclusions containing significantly enhanced dentin microhardness. However, use resulted