Effects of 2% chlorhexidine and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite on gutta-percha cones studied by atomic force microscopy

Aim To compare the effects of 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on gutta‐percha (GP) cone structure using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Methodology Two standardized GP cones were sectioned 3 mm from the tip, attached to a glass base and immersed in 2% CHX or 5.25% NaOCl for 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 min. Untreated GP cones were used as control. Topography and elasticity analyses were performed on 12 different regions located between 1 and 2 mm from the tip. Root mean square (RMS) parameters for contact mode imaging and force modulation microscopy variations were measured. The differences between RMS values were tested by anova with Fisher's protected LSD test for multiple comparisons. Results There was no deterioration in the topography and physical properties studied when 2% CHX was used in comparison with the control (P