Sodium Hypochlorite and a Preparation Containing Glycocholic Acid and Surfactants Have a Synergistic Action on Organic Tissue Dissolution In Vitro

The aim of this study was to evaluate porcine palatal mucosa dissolution by sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with or without an auxiliary dissolving agent containing glycocholic acid and a mixture of surfactants (Keratobacter [KB]; Saint Joseph DID, Valencia, Spain). One hundred forty samples were obtained from porcine palatal mucosa and weighed using a high-precision balance. The samples were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (n = 35) based on the test solution used: distilled water (the negative control), CanalPro NaOCl 6% (Coltene Whaledent, Altstätten, Switzerland), KB, and a 9:1 vol/vol mixture of NaOCl with KB (NaOCl + KB). After 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes of immersion in the solutions at 27°C ± 1°C, the samples were weighted by a blinded assessor. The intergroup weight at the different time points was statistically analyzed using the analysis of variance test with the Bonferroni posttest. All test groups presented with tissue dissolution although complete dissolution did not occur in any sample. The largest percent in weight reduction occurred between time points (t) = 0 minutes and t = 5 minutes for the NaOCl + KB group (22.5%) followed by KB (18.5%) for the same time period. NaOCl presented with similar tissue dissolution activity during the different time points, ranging from 7.8% (t = 10 minutes–t = 15 minutes) to 6.8% (t = 15 minutes–t = 20 minutes). Significant weight differences were found among the different experimental groups after 5, 10, and 15 minutes of incubation, with the only exception being KB versus NaOCl + KB. No significant differences were found when comparing the test groups at t = 20 minutes. The addition of KB to NaOCl increased porcine palatal mucosa dissolution in vitro. •Root canal irrigants often have pulp tissue dissolution action.•Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a commonly used solution with this capacity.•A glycocholic acid solution enhances the tissue dissolution of NaOCl.