17 % EDTA in Smear Layer Removal – A Scanning Electron Microscopic Investigation

Introduction Smear layer is amorphous irregular layer that contains inorganic dentin debris and organic material such as pulp tissue, odontoblastic processes, necrotic debris and microorganisms. It is present on root canal walls touched by instruments during instrumentation. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of 6 % Phosphoric acid, 17% EDTA and 5 % Maleic acid in smear layer removal using scanning electron microscope analysis. Material and Methods The study included eighty extracted teeth. All teeth were randomly assigned into the thre