Effectiveness of Three Different Irrigants - 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid, Q-MIX, and Phytic Acid in Smear Layer Removal: A Comparative Scanning Electron Microscope Study

• Published in: Contemporary clinical dentistry Vol. 8; no. 3; pp. 459 - 463
• Main Authors: Jagzap, Janhavi Balasaheb, Patil, Sanjay S, Gade, Vandana Jaykumar, Chandhok, Deepika J, Upagade, Madhura A, Thakur, Deepa A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01.07.2017; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: 17% ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid; Acetic acid; Acids; Analysis; Bond strength; Chelating agents; Dentin; Dentistry; Edetic acid; EDTA; Electron microscopy; Endodontics; Lavage; Microorganisms; Odontology; Original; Phytic acid; Premolars; Q-MIX; Root canals; scanning electron microscope; Scanning electron microscopy; smear layer; Sodium; Statistical analysis; Teeth; India; smear layer; phytic acid; Q-MIX; scanning electron microscope; 17% ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid
• ISSN: 0976-237X; 0976-2361
• DOI: 10.4103/ccd.ccd_524_17

Removal of smear layer from the root canal walls is important for long-standing endodontic success. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare smear layer removing ability among 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Q-MIX, and phytic acid by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This experimental study assessed smear layer removal using three different irrigants. Thirty single-rooted freshly extracted human permanent premolars were collected, disinfected, and decoronated to a standardized root length of 13 mm. Root canals were cleaned and shaped till F2 universal rotary protaper at working length 1 mm short of the apex. They were randomly divided into three groups, and final irrigation was done accordingly. Group 1 ( = 10): with 1 ml of 17% EDTA, Group 2 ( = 10): with 1 ml of Q-MIX, Group 3 ( = 10): with 1 ml of phytic acid. Samples were then longitudinally sectioned and evaluated under SEM at coronal, middle, and apical levels. Two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test were performed. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Smear layer removing ability among irrigants and sections in descending order: 17 EDTA > Q-MIX > phytic acid; coronal > middle > apical. 17% EDTA showed better and promising results followed by Q-MIX and then phytic acid.