Smear later removal with 8 0/0 EDTA root conditioning: an SEM study of the effect of different application times

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this SEM study was to evaluate and compare in vitro effects of different timing applications of 8% EDTA on dentin. The surface characteristic was also evaluated. A flat dentin surface was created on human teeth extracted due to severe periodontitis. The teeth were etched with 8% EDTA [pH 7.3] for 1 min [Group I], 3 min [Group II], 5 min [Group III]. Group IV served as control and the teeth were soaked in saline [pH 5.1]. The teeth were evaluated with scanning electron microscope with respect to smear layer removal. Results showed that 1 min etching with 8% EDTA was not sufficient to dissolve the smear layer. Five min etching dissolved the smear layer more effectively than the 3 min group. Based on these findings, the 5min application of 8% EDTA on root dentin completely removed the smear layer from the tubule opening