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 Ca(2+) extracted was measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Data were analyzed by means of nonparametric tests, and statistical analysis was performed.
Results: The higher release of Ca(2+) 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 Ca(2+) release.
Conclusions: The results indicated that Tetraclean could be applied to obtain more efficient removal of the smear layer and to facilitate the biomechanical instrumentation procedures.
Copyright © 2012 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.