Efficacy of SmearOFF, maleic acid, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid combined with sodium hypochlorite in removal of smear layer from curved root canals: In vitro study

Abstract

Introduction: Mechanical instrumentation of the root canal system produces an amorphous smear layer. The aim of the present research was to assess the effect of SmearOFF, 7% maleic acid (MA) and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) when combined with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in removal of smear layer from curved root canals. Materials and Methods: Forty mandibular molars were selected of which only the mesial roots were prepared biomechanically and categorized into four equal groups on the basis of the irrigation protocol: (1) SmearOFF, (2) 7% MA, (3) 17% EDTA, and (4) 0.9% saline. Teeth were then decoronated; mesial roots were cleaved lengthwise and scanning electron microscopic analysis was performed for evaluation of existence of smear layer. Results: On intergroup comparison, there has been found to be notable dissimilarity among the SmearOFF and MA groups in coronal, middle and apical thirds of the root canal system (P > 0.05). However, in EDTA group, there was no notable difference in coronal and middle third. However, in apical one-third, smear layer was cleared less effectively when compared to SmearOFF and MA (P Conclusion: In combination with NaOCl, SmearOFF, and MA had superlative smear layer eradication efficacy in contrast to EDTA in apical third of the curved root canals.