Glycolic acid as the final irrigant in endodontics: Mechanical and cytotoxic effects

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of glycolic acid (GA) on the microhardness, roughness, dentin mineral content distribution; smear layer removal and cytotoxicity. One hundred human teeth were randomly divided into six groups: distilled water (control group), 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid (CA), 5% GA, 10% GA, and, 17% GA. Microhardness and roughness were measured in the canal lumen. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images (2000×) for smear layer removal evaluation; energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for chemical analysis. Cell viability assay was made on fibroblast cells. The lowest microhardness and higher roughness were observed for 17% GA. GA showed the ability to remove the smear layer to a similar level as EDTA and CA, with no statistical difference between the concentrations used. GA and CA were cytotoxic in a dose-dependent manner. GA showed potential as an endodontic agent for final irrigation in root canal terapies.