Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of different concentrations of sodium gluconate and its time-dependent effects on radicular dentin.

Context: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acids (EDTA's) limitations have spurred the quest for alternative irrigants with effective chelation and minimal dentinal erosion.

Aims: The aim is to determine the ideal concentration and contact time of sodium gluconate by assessing its effectiveness in removing the smear layer and its impact on radicular dentin.

Materials and methods: Eighty single-rooted mandibular premolars with a single canal were decoronated to a standardized length. Following chemo mechanical preparation, the teeth were randomly allocated into four groups based on the final irrigant: Group I: 17% EDTA, Group II: 15% sodium gluconate, Group III: 17% sodium gluconate, and Group IV: 20% sodium gluconate. Each group was further divided into two subgroups based on contact time (30 s and 1 min). Samples were longitudinally split for scanning electron microscope analysis at ×5000, and images were examined across the coronal, middle, and apical third to assess smear layer removal and dentinal erosion.

Statistical analysis used: Data were statistically analyzed using Student's t-test and analysis of variance with post hoc test.

Results: Seventeen percent sodium gluconate at both 30 s and 1 min demonstrated minimal dentinal erosion and showed comparable performance to 17% EDTA at 1 min, with no statistically significant difference.

Conclusions: Seventeen percent sodium gluconate at 30 s may be considered a promising alternative to 17% EDTA.