Effects of 2.625% NaOCl - 20% Citric Acid and 2.625% NaOCl - 17% EDTA on Cleanliness of Smear Layer on Apical One Third

Smear layer, as a result of instrumentaion, could influence the outcome of treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of two combinations of irigants in removing the smear layer in the root canal. Thirty permanent premolars were divided in 3 groups equally. Group I, II, and III used NaOCl 2.625%-citric acid 20%, NaOCl 2,625%-EDTA 17%, and saline solution (control) respectively. The remnants of smear layer were evaluated by SEM and were scored. The score was 0, 1, 2, or 3, if the remnants of the smear layer was less than 25%, between 25 to 50%, 50 to 75%, and more than 75% of the surface respectively, and were analyzed by Kolmogorov Smirnov. There was no significant different in removing the smear layer between the Group I and the Group II (p = 0.447), while comparing to the control group, the experimental groups were significantly better (p = 0.000). No difference in ability to remove the smear layer between combinations of irrigant of NaOCl 2.625%-citric acid 20% and NaOCl 2.625%-EDTA 17%.