Root dentin body moisture changes caused by ascorbic acid.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify in vitro the root dentin moisture (DM) when soaked in 10% ascorbic acid solution (Group A) and distilled water (Group B) for up to 14 days.


METHODS
Forty-four extracted human mandibular single-rooted teeth were sectioned perpendicular to the long axis at the CEJ to access the root dentin. The samples were divided into Groups A and B. Baseline (day 0) DM was measured using a digital grain moisture meter. One sample was placed in each tube, which was then filled with solution. All tubes were kept at 37 degrees C and 100% humidity. DM was measured after 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. The baseline DM value was used as a covariate in the generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis to account for the difference in the baseline DM between the two groups.


RESULTS
The mean DM (%) values+/-standard deviation on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 were 11.4+/-1.08, 17.1+/-0.87, 18.2+/-0.76, 18.4+/-0.77, and 17.9+/-0.90 in Group A, and 10.2+/-0.95, 12.8+/-0.90, 13.3+/-0.95, 13.0+/-0.91, and 13.2+/-0.89 in Group B, respectively. Group A had significantly higher baseline DM than Group B (p=0.006). After adjusting for differences in the baseline, the GEE analysis indicated that, on average, Group A had a significantly higher increase in DM than Group B, with means+/-standard deviation of 4.35+/-0.26.


CONCLUSIONS
The moisture increase in the ascorbic acid group was greater than that in the distilled water group. Soaking root dentin in the unreplenished ascorbic acid solution or distilled water beyond 3 days did not further increase DM.
Department of Endodontics, Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75246, USA. ICD38719@nifty.com
Takashi
T
Komabayashi
Chul
C
Ahn
Song
S
Zhang
Qiang
Q
Zhu
Larz S W
LS
Spångberg
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001834:Body Water / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D003804:Dentin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D017097:Electric Impedance; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D008422:Materials Testing; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D014867:Water
D000975:Antioxidants; D014867:Water; D001205:Ascorbic Acid