Evaluation of the Efficacy of Various Concentrations of Maleic Acid and Edta in Removal of Smear Layer - An Sem Study

Aim: This study evaluated in vitro, the smear layer removing ability of different concentrations (3%, 5% or 7%) of maleic acid and a commonly used EDTA based paste preparation (RC-prep) both followed by irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl on instrumented root canal surface. Methods: Fifty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were used. Crown portions of the teeth were decoronated and root canals were instrumented and irrigated with 3%, 5% or 7% maleic acid or RC- prep followed by 2.5% NaOCl. Following irrigation, middle and apical thirds of the root canal surface were examined under SEM for the presence or absence of smear layer. Scores were evaluated using the Wilcoxon matched pair signed rank test and analysis of comparison among the groups was calculated using Chi-square test. Results: Results showed that all the three concentrations of maleic acid were better than EDTA (RC- prep) in removing the smear layer from both the middle and apical third of the root canal system. Conclusion: Maleic acid can be used as an alternative agent to EDTA in the removal of the smear layer from the root canal surface in endodontics.