Citric Acids: An Alternative for the Removal of Root Canal Filling Materials

  • C. Méndez-De-La-Espriella
  • , A. Rodríguez-Ciodaro
  • , A. Moreno-Sarmiento
  • , D. Mendieta-Flores
  • , D. Yori-Roa
  • , J.L. Gutmann
  • , M.A. Hungaro-Duarte
  • , J. Guerrero-Ferreccio
  • , J.C. Salcedo-Reyes
  • , H.A. Méndez-Pinzón

Research output: Working paperPreprint

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the potential of a smear-layer removing agent (citric acid) vs. an accepted gutta-percha-softening agent (Xylol) as an alternative substance for removing the root canal filling materials, while investigating the potential for associated demineralization effects.

Materials and Methods: Seventy healthy, recently extracted premolars were used, ten as control, with sixty with their canals enlarged, shaped and cleaned and obturated using lateral compaction. Teeth were distributed into 3 groups as follows: 1) no solvent and mechanical removal of the filling materials; 2) 1ml of Xylol for 1 minute followed by mechanical removal; and 3) 10% citric acid for 1 minute followed by mechanical removal. Two sections of the root were used, one for Raman spectroscopy analysis to evaluate morphological changes in dentine surface and the other for micro-hardness testing (Vickers).

Results: The use of 10% citric acid in in the removal of gutta-percha and sealer was more effective than the Xylol and mechanical group (p<0.05), presented less remnants of filling material debris and with non-observable demineralizing effects.

Conclusion: Citric acid might be considered as a viable alternative in the removal of gutta-percha and sealer during root canal retreatment.

Clinical Relevance: This research showed how citric acid can be used as an alternative in endodontic retreatment; how efficiently removed the filling material without damaging the dental tissue.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherResearch Square
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2021

Funding

This study was funded with reosurces from Faculty of Dentistry of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and the Financial support of Colciencias through Project Scienti 120365843881 Contract No. FP44842-058-2015.

Keywords

  • dentistry
  • citric acid
  • dentine demineralization
  • Raman spectroscopy
  • root canal retreatment
  • xylene

Disciplines

  • Dentistry

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