Comparison of the Efficacy of Maleic Acid and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid in Smear Layer Removal from Instrumented Human Root Canal: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess, by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis, the ability of 17% EDTA and 7% maleic acid in the removal of the smear layer from the human root canal system. Methods: Eighty single-rooted human anterior teeth were subjected to standardized root canal instrumentation (step-back technique) and were irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl after each instrument. Based on the final irrigating solution used, samples were divided randomly into three groups: (1) the EDTA group: 17% EDTA+ 2.5% NaOCl (n = 30), (2) the maleic acid group: 7% maleic acid + 2.5% NaOCl (n = 30), and (3) the control group: 0.9% saline (n = 20). After final irrigation, teeth were prepared for SEM analysis to evaluate the cleaning of the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of radicular dentin by determining the presence or absence of smear layer. The data was statistically analyzed using the Kruskall-Wallis test. Results: At the coronal and middle thirds, there was no significant difference between EDTA and maleic acid. Both were equally efficient in the removal of smear layer. In the apical third, maleic acid showed significantly better smear layer removing ability than EDTA. Conclusion: Final irrigation with 7% maleic acid is more efficient than 17%EDTA in the removal of smear layer from the apical third of the root canal system, which is a crucial area for disinfection. (J Endod 2009;35:1573-1576)