ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid

Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) is a polyamino carboxylic acid and a hexadentate ligand widely utilized in endodontics as a chelating agent. Typically used in a 17% aqueous solution, EDTA is employed during root canal treatment to remove the inorganic component of the smear layer produced by mechanical instrumentation. By sequestering calcium ions from the hydroxyapatite of the dentin, EDTA softens the canal walls, facilitates mechanical cleaning, and opens dentinal tubules to allow better penetration of obturation sealers and medicaments. In the context of the study by Dow University of Health Sciences, EDTA serves as the gold standard comparator against other irrigants like SmearOFF and maleic acid to evaluate its effects on sealer penetration and dentin erosion.

Other names

EDTAedetic acid17% EDTA