Comparative Scanning Electron Microscopy Evaluation of Smear Layer Removal with 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid, 10% Citric Acid and Newer Irrigant QMix: In Vitro Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) with that of 10% citric acid and newer irrigant QMix in the removal of smear layer from root canal wall dentin. Materials and Methods: Twenty single-rooted teeth were accessed and instrumented with crown down technique up to protaper F3. Between each instrument used, the canals were irrigated with 1 ml of 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). After instrumentation, the teeth were irrigated with distilled water and then divided into four groups according to the different surface treatment with different irrigants. The irrigants used were 1% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid, and newer irrigant QMix. The samples were prepared and observed by means of scanning electron microscopy. Three photomicrographs (Χ2000) were recorded for each sample regarding the apical, middle, and cervical thirds. A score system described by Takeda et al. was used to evaluate the images.