Decalcifying effect of different ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid irrigating solutions and tetraclean on root canal dentin

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare in vitro the decalcifying capability on root canal dentin of 4 different irrigating solutions. Methods: Twenty-five freshly extracted maxillary central incisors were selected. The canals were prepared to obtain a total of 4 samples from each root. The samples were randomly divided into 5 equal experimental groups (n = 20) according to the irrigating solutions tested (Tetraclean, Largal Ultra, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Tubuliclean). For each irrigating solution, the specimens were immersed for 5, 10, and 15 minutes. After exposures, the concentration of Ca2+ extracted was measured by inductively coupled plasmaatomic emission spectrometry. Data were analyzed by means of nonparametric tests, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: The higher release of Ca2+ was observed in samples treated with Tetraclean; this citric acid–based agent showed significantly higher decalcifying capability. For all irrigating solutions tested, 10 minutes of application are sufficient to obtain the maximum Ca2+ release. Conclusions: The results indicatedthat Tetraclean could be applied to obtain more efficient removal of the smear layer and to facilitate the biomechanical instrumentation procedures.