Nano-scratch behavior of human root canal wall dentin lubricated with EDTA pastes

The present study evaluated the wear behavior of human root canal dentin and the lubricating effect of EDTA pastes using nano-scratch tests in vitro. The human root canal wall specimens were tested under a constant load of 80 mN and the lubricating effect of different concentrations of EDTA pastes were analyzed. EDTA lubrication strengthened wear effect on the root canal dentin. The application of EDTA paste decreased the microhardness and wear resistance of root canal wall. The wear mechanism of root canal dentin changed from plastic deformation to a combination of deformation, delamination, and microcrack propagation because of the strengthening effect of EDTA pastes.