Evaluation of surface analysis of gutta-percha after disinfecting with sodium hypochlorite, silver nanoparticles, and chitosan nanoparticles by atomic force microscopy: An in vitro study

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surface topography of gutta-percha (GP) after disinfecting with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (5.25%), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (70 μg/ml), and chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) (1.5 mg/ml) by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Materials and Methods: Forty GP cones were taken in this in vitro study. These samples were divided into four different groups such as Group I - control group (untreated GP Points) and Group II, III, and IV were treated with 5.25% NaOCl, 70 μg/ml AgNPs, and 1.5 mg/ml ChNPs, respectively. The surface topography analysis of the samples was performed using AFM. Statistical Analysis: Root mean square (RMS) and surface roughness parameters were used to compare the structure of GP points with contact mode imaging. These values were tested by IBM SPSS-20.0 version statistical software using one-way ANOVA and post hoc (Tukey's honestly significant difference) tests. They were considered statistically significant when P < 0.05. Results: The RMS and surface roughness values are significantly higher for NaOCl group (5.25% NaOCl) when compared with AgNPs group (70 μg/ml AgNPs) and ChNPs group (1.5 mg/ml ChNPs). Conclusion: This study has shown more surface topography deterioration of GP treated with NaOCl and lesser deterioration with AgNPs and ChNPs which affects postoperative prognosis.