Purpose: In this in vitro study, the smear layer removal efficiency of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 10% glycolic acid (GA), and 18% etidronic acid (HEBP) solutions.
Methods: A total of 80 human mandibular premolar teeth were used in the study. The teeth were prepared using the Reciproc R25 rotary instrument system. A total of 10 mL of 2.5% NaOCl irrigation solution was used: 5 mL during the procedure and 5 mL after it. The teeth were divided into four groups (n=20): group 1, 17% EDTA + PUI; group 2, 10% GA+PUI; group 3, 18% HEBP + PUI; and group 4 (control group), distilled water + PUI. Based on the central parts of the coronal, middle, and apical tripartite regions, images were taken under a low vacuum scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 2000× magnification. The presence of smear layer in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds was evaluated using a five-score evaluation system. Data were analyzed with Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests.
Results: No statistically significant difference was found between groups 1, 2, and 3 in all regions (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: EDTA, GA, and HEBP showed similar effects on smear layer removal.