Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

10:26
Inducing Apical Periodontitis in Mice
Published on: August 6, 2019
Decalcifying effects of antimicrobial irrigating solutions on root canal dentin
Carmen-María Ferrer-Luque1, Mercedes Perez-Heredia, Pilar Baca
1Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, Campus de Cartuja, Colegio Máximo s/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain. cferrer@ugr.es
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal
|August 29, 2012
Summary
Seven percent maleic acid (MA) demonstrated the highest calcium extraction efficacy for root surfaces. Combining MA or chlorhexidine (CHX) with cetrimide (CTR) reduced decalcifying capacity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
- Endodontics
Background:
- Root canal treatment requires effective disinfection and debris removal.
- Decalcifying agents are used to clean root canal walls.
- Maleic acid (MA) and chlorhexidine (CHX) are common agents, sometimes combined with surfactants like cetrimide (CTR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the decalcifying efficacy of 7% MA, 2% CHX, and their combinations with 0.2% CTR.
- To compare the calcium ion extraction over different time intervals (1, 2, 3, and 5 minutes).
Main Methods:
- Human incisor root slices were used to prepare specimens.
- Calcium ion (Ca2+) concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
- Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test.
Main Results:
- 7% MA showed the highest calcium extraction across all time points.
- 7% MA combined with 0.2% CTR also demonstrated significant calcium extraction.
- 2% CHX, with or without 0.2% CTR, exhibited minimal calcium extraction.
Conclusions:
- The decalcifying efficacy of 7% MA and 2% CHX is reduced when combined with 0.2% CTR.
- 7% MA is a more effective decalcifying agent compared to 2% CHX in this study.
- Further research may explore optimal concentrations and combinations for root canal cleaning.
