Abstract
The aim of our scanning electron microscopic study was to evaluate the cleaning efficiency of irrigating solutions used in endodontic treatment regarding smear layer removal from the root canal dentin walls. Ethylenediaminotetraacetic acid (EDTA)17%, citric acid(CA)10% and chlorohexidinegluconate (CHX)2% solutions were tested as final irrigants after endodontic treatment. The study was conducted on extracted teeth, divided in four groups according to the irrigation protocol used. The specimens were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and the amount of smear layer present at apical, middle and coronal level was recorded, based on a scoring system. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman test and the level of significance was set at p[0.05. At the coronal and middle thirds we recorded no statistically significant difference between EDTA and CA regarding the smear layer removing capacity. Final irrigation with 10% CA proved to be more efficient than 17% EDTA in smear layer removal at apical level of the root canal, with p[0.05 (p=0.036), which is an important area for disinfection in endodontic treatment.
Keywords: chelating agents; smear layer; scanning electron microscope; radicular dentin