eDTa, apple vinegar and smearclear with and without ultrasonic activation on smear layer removal in different root canal levels

Objective: This in vitro study evaluated the efficiency of EDTA, apple vinegar and SmearClear, with and without ultrasonic activation, on smear layer removal. Methods: Seventy extracted canines were randomly divided into eight groups and prepared by using ProTaper instruments. The final irrigation regimens used were: Group 1 (control) (SAL) and Group 2 (control) (SALUS): saline for 3 minutes without and with ultrasonics, respectively; Group 3 (EDTA) and Group 4 (EDTAUS): 17% EDTA for 3 minutes without and with ultrasonics, respectively; Group 5 (AV) and Group 6 (AVUS): apple vinegar for 3 minutes without and with ultrasonics, respectively; Group 7 (SC) and Group 8 (SCUS): SmearClear for 1 minute without and with ultrasonics, respectively. Specimens were then examined under scanning electron microscope and scored for smear layer removal on the coronal, middle and apical thirds. Results and Conclusions: Smear layer removal was most efficient when 17% EDTA and SmearClear were used, compared to apple vinegar. Ultrasonics did not improve the smear layer removal significantly in all groups. The poorest results were observed in the apical third of the root canal, with statistical differences between the coronal third in all irrigation regimens.