Effects of Temperature and Hypochlorite Concentration on the Rate of Collagen Dissolution

• The study quantifies the effects of temperature on the rate of collagen dissolution.
• Different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite solution were used.
• Samples of collagen matrix were dissolved in sodium hypochlorite at 20°C–35°C.
• The results generated equations to describe the effects of temperature and concentration.

IntroductionThe aim of this research was to quantify the effects of temperature on the rate of collagen dissolution in different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite solution.MethodsA customized laboratory apparatus was used to immerse 23 samples of reticulated collagen matrices and 20 samples of non-reticulated collagen matrices in a continuously agitated solution of 1%–5% (m/v) sodium hypochlorite at 20°C–35°C. The time needed for complete dissolution of each sample was used to generate mathematical equations that described the effects of temperature and hypochlorite concentration on the dissolution of collagen.ResultsBoth temperature and concentration of sodium hypochlorite were positively correlated with the rate of collagen dissolution. The same speed of dissolution was obtained for 5% sodium hypochlorite at 20°C, 4% solution at 20.8°C, 3% solution at 23.5°C, 2% solution at 26.9°C, and 1% solution at 36°C.ConclusionsTreatment protocols that involve sodium hypochlorite, which is the preferred root canal irrigant, should consider the important effects caused by variations in the use of different irrigant temperatures and concentrations. Further investigation is required to establish the optimal concentration and temperature of sodium hypochlorite solution for root canal irrigation.