TITLE:
SEM evaluation of apical intraradicular dentine cleanliness and degree of erosion after the application of three irrigating solutions
AUTHORS:
Manuele Mancini, Luigi Cianconi
KEYWORDS:
EDTA; Nitric Acid; Phosphoric Acid; Irrigation; Smear Layer
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Stomatology,
Vol.3 No.2,
May
28,
2013
ABSTRACT: Aims: The aim of the study
was to compare the efficacy of 37% phosphoric acid, 12% nitric acid, 17% EDTA
in endodontic smear layer removal and degree of erosion in the apical third of
endodontic canals. Methods and Material: One hundred and four extracted
single-rooted human teeth were randomized into four groups (n = 26) and
instrumented using ProTaper Universal Ni-Ti rotary instruments. Each canal was
irrigated with one of the following solutions: 37% phosphoric acid, 12% nitric
acid, 17% EDTA, 5.25% NaOCl (control). All specimens were then irrigated with 5
mL distilled water and dried with sterile paper points. Kruskal-Wallis and
Mann-WhitneyU statistical tests were used. Results: Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) evaluation showed no significant differences among test
reagents in smear layer removal. However, the efficacy of 12% nitric acid and
17% EDTA in removing the smear layer was significantly greater than 5.25% NaOCl
(control). Degree of erosion could not be evaluated. Conclusion: Protocols
used in this study were not sufficient to completely remove the smear layer in
the apical third of shaped root canals.