Decalcifying effect of EDTA-T, 10% citric acid, and 17% EDTA on root canal dentin.
OBJECTIVE
An in vitro study was conducted to determine the efficacy of 17% EDTA plus 1.25% sodium lauryl ether sulfate (EDTA-T), 10% citric acid, and 17% EDTA with respect to Ca(++) extraction.


METHODS
The root canals of 90 extracted human canines were instrumented by using the step-back technique. The teeth were randomly divided into 9 groups of 10 teeth each according to the solution and time intervals involved (ie, 3, 10, and 15 minutes). The Ca(++) concentration of the solution was determined by using atomic absorption spectroscopy.


RESULTS
At 3 minutes, there was no significant difference between Ca(++) extraction by 10% citric acid and 17% EDTA (P >.05). EDTA-T had the least efficacy for Ca(++) extraction (P <.05). At 10 minutes and 15 minutes, there were no significant differences between 10% citric acid and 17% EDTA or between EDTA-T and 17% EDTA (P >.05). However, 10% citric acid was significantly better than EDTA-T in terms of Ca(++) extraction (P <.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Both 10% citric acid and 17% EDTA are good decalcifying agents when the step-back technique is used.
Scelza
Miriam F Zaccaro
MF
Department of Endodontics, Federal University Fluminense, RJ, Brazil.
Teixeira
Ana Maria
AM
Scelza
Pantaleo
P
D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003481:Cuspid; D003648:Decalcification Technique; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods*; D016369:Smear Layer
D002614:Chelating Agents; C030642:dodecyl polyoxyethylene sulfuric acid; D019343:Citric Acid; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D004492:Edetic Acid