Efficacy of SmearClear and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid for smear layer removal in primary teeth.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of SmearClear and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for removal of the smear layer from the root canals of primary teeth after instrumentation.


METHODS
Thirty extracted, single-rooted, primary incisors and canines were instrumented and randomly assigned to the 3 groups (N=10): group 1=14% EDTA; group 2=SmearClear; and group 3=no smear layer removal procedure (control). The specimens were submitted to standard processing for scanning electron microscopic analysis to evaluate cleaning according to a 3-point scoring system that indicated best to worst cleaning. Data were analyzed statistically by the Mann-Whitney U test at a 5% significance level.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference (P>.05) between groups 1 (EDTA) and 2 (SmearClear).


CONCLUSIONS
SmearClear was able to remove the smear layer from the root canals of primary teeth as effectively as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, suggesting that both solutions may be indicated for such purpose.
Nelson-Filho
Paulo
P
Department of Pediatric Clinic, Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. nelson@forp.usp.br
Leite
Giselle de Angelo Souza
Gde A
Fernandes
Patrícia Motta
PM
da Silva
Raquel Assed Bezerra
RA
Rueda
Júlio César Avendaño
JC