EFFICIENCY OF CHELATING IRRIGATION AGENTS FOR REMOVING A LUBRICATED DENTIN LAYER OF ROOT CANAL

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Microscopy

Background:

• The smear layer forms on root canal walls during endodontic treatment.
• Effective smear layer removal is crucial for successful endodontic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the smear layer in endodontically treated root canals.
• To evaluate the efficacy of 18% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in water solution and gel forms for smear layer removal.

Main Methods:

• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine 50 extracted teeth.
• Teeth were divided into control and experimental groups treated with 18% EDTA (solution or gel).
• SEM analysis focused on coronal, middle, and apical root canal portions, based on 900 images.

Main Results:

• A thick smear layer was observed, covering dentinal tubule openings.
• Both 18% EDTA solution and gel partially or completely removed the smear layer.
• EDTA solution was more effective in coronal and middle thirds (P<0.05), with reduced efficacy in the apical third.

Conclusions:

• 18% EDTA is effective in removing the smear layer from root canals.
• EDTA's efficacy is greater in the coronal and middle thirds compared to the apical third.
• Further strategies may be needed to optimize smear layer removal in the apical root canal portions.