Effect of a low-concentration EDTA solution on root canal walls: a scanning electron microscopic study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the ability of an 8% EDTA solution to remove debris and smear produced during root canal preparation.


METHODS
Single-rooted human teeth were used for this experiment. All root canals were instrumented in a similar fashion and irrigated with a 3.5% NaOCl solution. The teeth were divided into 6 groups. According to the groups, various final flushes were performed with a 15% or 8% EDTA solution for 1 or 3 min and with or without saline rinsing. After preparation, roots were separated into 3 thirds and each third was observed by SEM. Debris (D) and root canal smear (S) was evaluated twice.


RESULTS
The results were subjected to ANOVA. The D and S scores for all test groups were statistically different from the control group without EDTA flush (P = .0001). The lowest D and S scores were obtained by a 3 min rinse with 8% EDTA solution and a statistical difference was observed in the apical third (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Under these in vitro conditions, 3 min 8% EDTA irrigation is as effective as 1 min 15% EDTA irrigation.
Perez
Fabienne
F
Faculty of Odontology, Department of Endodontics, University of Bordeaux, France. fabienne.perez@odonto.u-bordeaux2.fr
Rouqueyrol-Pourcel
Natacha
N
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011897:Random Allocation; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods; D016369:Smear Layer; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water
D002614:Chelating Agents; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D014867:Water; D004492:Edetic Acid; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite