Real-time co-site optical microscopy study on the morphological changes of the dentine's surface after citric acid and sodium hypochlorite: a single-tooth model.

Double alternating irrigation with citric acid and sodium hypochlorite for 30 s yielded satisfactory results, while double irrigation for 60 s resulted in increased mean diameter of the dentine tubules. A real time assessment of the dentine's surface changes after both tested solutions can improve understanding of the phenomena that occur during the irrigation and as a result it might help to improve clinical outcomes in root canal treatment.