Effect of Acidic Environment on the Surface Microhardness of Biodentine

Aim: To compare the effects of various levels of acidic pH on surface microhardness of Biodentine.TM Materials and methods: Biodentine was mixed and packed into stainless steel molds (diameter = 5 mm and height = 1.5 mm). Four groups of 10 specimens each were formed and exposed to pH: 7.4, 6.4, 5.4 and 4.4 respectively for 4 days. Vickers microhardness was measured for each of the specimens and was measured 4 days after the exposure. Results: Data was subjected to one-way ANOVA using Tukey’s post hoc test. Group I (control pH = 7.4) showed greatest surface microhardness of 67.5 ± 4.1 HV. The least microhardness of 46.3 ± 5.0 HV was observed for group IV where the specimens were soaked at pH 4.4. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Under the limitations of the present study, surface hardness of Biodentine was impaired in the presence of acidic environment.