In Vitro assessment of interaction between lidocaine hydrochloride and irrigating solutions on root canal dentin: A scanning electron microscope study

Aim: To investigate the precipitate formed from the interaction between 2% lidocaine hydrochloride with adrenaline (LA) with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 0.2% chitosan nanoparticles on root canal dentin, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Material and Methods: Sixty mandibular premolars were decoronated, and the root length standardised. The specimens were randomly distributed into the following groups: Group 1 (control): 2% LA mixed with sterile water without root canal instrumentation, Group 2: 2% LA with 2.5% NaOCl in water without root canal instrumentation, and Group 3: 2% LA with 0.2% chitosan nanoparticles in water without root canal instrumentation. Teeth specimens were split and subjected to SEM analysis at cervical, middle, and apical root thirds. On observing precipitate formation in Group 2, 10 premolars were decoronated and treated with 2% LA and 2.5% NaOCl and subjected to root canal instrumentation. Results: Group 1 and Group 3 showed patent dentinal tubules and no precipitate formation. Group 2 showed precipitate blocking dentinal tubules in all the three sections, and the precipitate could not be removed completely after cleaning and shaping. Conclusion: NaOCl forms an insoluble precipitate on interaction with local anaesthetic solution that cannot be removed after chemo-mechanical preparation. Chitosan nanoparticles do not form any such precipitate and show patent dentinal tubules. Hence, chitosan can be used as a flushing irrigant.