title: Chelating agents in root canal treatment: mode of action and indications for their use.
abstract: Chelating agents were introduced into endodontics as an aid for the preparation of narrow and calcified root canals in 1957 by Nygaard-Østby. A liquid solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was thought to chemically soften the root canal dentine and dissolve the smear layer, as well as to increase dentine permeability. Although the efficacy of EDTA preparations in softening root dentine has been debated, chelator preparations have regained popularity recently. Almost all manufacturers of nickel-titanium instruments recommend their use as a lubricant during rotary root canal preparation. Additionally, a final irrigation of the root canal with 15-17% EDTA solutions to dissolve the smear layer is recommended in many textbooks. This paper reviews the relevant literature on chelating agents, presents an overview of the chemical and pharmacological properties of EDTA preparations and makes recommendations for their clinical use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry and Periodontology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany. huelsmann@med.uni-goettingen.de
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hülsmann
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heckendorff
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lennon
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects; D003806:Dentin Permeability; D003808:Dentin Solubility; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods; D016369:Smear Layer
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002614:Chelating Agents; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D004492:Edetic Acid