Evaluation of decalcifying effect of maleic acid and EDTA on root canal dentin using energy dispersive spectrometer

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate mineral contents of root canal dentin after treatment with 7% maleic acid (MA) or 17% EDTA. Study design: Thirty pieces of teeth were divided into 3 groups: 1) 17% EDTA; 2) 7% MA; and 3) saline. All specimens were treated for 0, 1, 5, 10, 15 minutes. Levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, and oxygen were measured using energy dispersive spectrometer. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance. Tukey honest significant difference and Bonferroni test were used for comparison between the groups and time periods. Results: MA reduced maximum amount of calcium and phosphorus at all time intervals, but was significant only up to 5 minutes (P <.001). Oxygen, sulfur, and magnesium were decreased more with saline and least with MA (P <.001). Sodium was decreased more with MA and least with EDTA (P <.001). Conclusions: MA decalcifies the root dentin, with most calcium and phosphorus extracted during the first 5 minutes, compared with EDTA.