Physicochemical and biological properties of the 'all-in-one' endodontic irrigant Triton.

Aim: Triton is a newly developed root canal irrigant that acts on both organic and inorganic tissues. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties (pH, surface tension, contact angle, available free chlorine), dentin penetration, and cytotoxicity of Triton, compared with 4% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) + etidronic acid (HEDP), 4% NaOCl/17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and 4% NaOCl.

Methodology: pH was measured using a pH meter; surface tension and contact angle were assessed by the pendant drop and sessile drop methods, respectively. Available free chlorine was determined by titration with iodine/sodium thiosulfate. For dentin penetration, 39 extracted human premolars were instrumented, stained with crystal violet, irrigated, and analyzed under a stereomicroscope. Cytotoxicity was evaluated on L929 fibroblasts using MTT and neutral red assays.

Results: Triton showed a pH of 12.49, available free chlorine of 4.18%, and significantly lower surface tension and contact angle than the other irrigants (p<0.05). In the cervical third, Triton showed greater dentin penetration than 4% NaOCl and 4% NaOCl+HEDP (p<0.05); in the middle third, greater penetration than 4% NaOCl (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the apical third (p>0.05). Triton and 4% NaOCl+HEDP groups had significantly lower cell viability compared to other groups (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Triton demonstrated an alkaline pH, lower surface tension and contact angle, and greater dentin penetration in the cervical and middle thirds compared to 4% NaOCl. However, its cytotoxicity, similar to that of 4% NaOCl+HEDP, emphasizes the need for safe irrigation dynamics to prevent periradicular tissue damage.