Smear layer removal with 8% EDTA root conditioning: An SEM study of the effect of different application times

The purpose of this SEM study was to evaluate and compare in vitro effects of different timing applications of 8% EDTA on dentin. The surface characteristic was also evaluated. A flat dentin surface was created on human teeth extracted due to severe periodontitis. The teeth were etched with 8%EDTA (pH 7.3) for 1 min (Group I), 3 min (Group II), 5 min (Group III). Group IV served as control and the teeth were soaked in saline (pH 5.1). The teeth were evaluated with scanning electron microscope with respect to smear layer removal. Results showed that 1 min etching with 8% EDTA was not sufficient to dissolve the smear layer. Five min etching dissolved the smear layer more effectively than the 3 min group. Based on these findings, the 5min application of 8% EDTA on root dentin completely removed the smear layer fromthe tubule opening