A comparative study of smear layer removal and erosion in apical intraradicular dentine with three irrigating solutions: a scanning electron microscopy evaluation.
BACKGROUND
This study compared the efficacy of BioPure MTAD (Dentsply Tulsa, Tulsa, OK), 17% EDTA, and 42% citric acid in endodontic smear layer removal and degree of erosion in the apical third of endodontic canals.


METHODS
Ninety-six extracted single-rooted human teeth were randomized into four groups (n = 24) and instrumented using System GT nickel-titanium rotary instruments (Dentsply Tulsa, Tulsa, OK). Each canal was irrigated with one of the following solutions: BioPure MTAD, 17% EDTA, 42% citric acid, or 5.25% NaOCl (control). Next, all specimens were irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl.


RESULTS
Evaluation by scanning electron microscopy showed no significant differences among test irrigants in removing the smear layer. However, the efficacy of BioPure MTAD and 17% EDTA in removing the smear layer was significantly greater than 5.25% NaOCl (control). The erosive effects of irrigating solutions could not be evaluated.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the protocols used in this study were not sufficient to completely remove the smear layer in the apical third of prepared root canals.
Mancini
Manuele
M
Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. manuele.mancini@tiscali.it
Armellin
Emiliano
E
Casaglia
Adriano
A
Cerroni
Loredana
L
Cianconi
Luigi
L
D000328:Adult; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D011136:Polysorbates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods*; D016369:Smear Layer; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000494:pharmacology; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000139:chemically induced; D017211:Treatment Failure
C475043:MTAD (intracanal irrigant); D011136:Polysorbates; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D019343:Citric Acid; D004492:Edetic Acid; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite; D004318:Doxycycline