Aim
The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of irrigation protocols (EDTA, citric acid, and etidronate) in Ca(OH)2 removal. Materials and
Conclusion
The solution pH of citric acid and etidronate impacts their Ca(OH)2 removal efficiency in different ways: the highly alkaline pH of Ca(OH)2 increases citric acid pH toward neutrality, where it becomes an inefficient chelator; on the contrary, high acidity of etidronate compensates for its weaker chelation. Etidronate may not require 5 min duration for Ca(OH)2 removal due to the likelihood of dentinal erosion.
Methods
Forty-five single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated, instrumented, and filled with Ca(OH)2. After 7 days incubation, Ca(OH)2 was removed by three irrigation protocols (Group-I: 17% EDTA; Group-II: 10% citric acid; and Group-III: 18% etidronate). Roots were split and analyzed (scanning electron microscope, ×1500). Chelator solution pH was tested. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U-test.
Results
Group-III (coronal-third) and Groups-I and II (middle-third) had highest cleanliness scores; Groups-II and III (apical-third) had lowest scores. Comparing the thirds, all groups showed difference in scores. pH of Groups-I, II, and III were 6.8, 1.4, and 0.3, respectively.