Abstract

GONCALVES, Rodrigo Diego et al. Analysis of smear layer removal by different irrigants. RGO, Rev. gaúch. odontol. (Online) [online]. 2012, vol.60, n.2, pp. 157-161. ISSN 1981-8637.

Objective This study assessed in vitro the ability of different irrigating solutions to remove the smear layer after root canal instrumentation. Methods Twenty upper human canines were instrumented and irrigated with different irrigating solutions: Group I (positive control) - saline; Group II (negative control) - 17% EDTA in water; Group III - 24% EDTA gel; and Group IV - BioPure MTAD Results Micrographs of the middle and apical thirds were taken for determination of the area percentage covered by smear layer. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test showed that BioPure MTAD and 17% EDTA in water had similar efficacy (p>0.05), producing clean canal walls with open dentinal tubules. Saline and 24% EDTA gel also had similar efficacy, but in this case much of the root canal walls were still covered by the smear layer. The results from Groups I and III were significantly different from those of Groups II and IV (p<0.01). There were no differences between the root thirds of each group (p>0.05). Conclusion None of the irrigating solutions were able to completely remove the smear layer from the root canal walls. Biopure MTAD and 17% EDTA in water proved to be more effective for removing the smear layer than 24% EDTA gel or saline.

Keywords : Chelating agents.; Endodontics.; Root canal preparation.; Smear layer..