A comparative evaluation of smear layer removal by using ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, citric acid, and maleic acid as root canal irrigants: An in vitro scanning electron microscopic study

INTRODUCTION: Irrigants remove or dissolve smear layer formed during instrumentation. Thus it is important to study the effect of different irrigant solutions on smear layer removal. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine which irrigant effectively removes the smear layer from the coronal, middle, and apical third of the root canal. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: . rating system. RESULTS: 7% maleic acid and 10% citric acid both are equally effective in smear layer removal from coronal and middle third, but in apical third 7% maleic acid is more effective than 10% citric acid. Between citric acid and EDTA, both are equally effective in smear layer removal from coronal and middle third, but in apical third, 10% citric acid is more efficacious than 17% EDTA. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that all three tested irrigants removed the smear layer from coronal, middle, and apical third. However, in apical third 7% maleic acid is the most efficacious irrigant in smear layer removal.