Comparative evaluation of depth of penetration of sealer after using EDTA, citric acid and R-EDTA as last irrigant under confocal laser microscopy

ABSTRACT Aim: This original research examines potential of root canal sealers to penetrate the dentin. Movement of root canal sealer into dentinal tubules decreases the residual space for the entombing of bacteria and provides the hermetic seal. Different irrigants used during chemo-mechanical preparation of tooth determine the depth of penetration of sealer based on the chelating property of irrigants. The addition of surface tension-reducing agents into irrigants was known to enhance their penetration of irrigants into the dentinal tubules. Methods: This study used ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), R-EDTA, and citric acid as the last irrigant inside the root canal. Results: R-EDTA showed increased penetration of sealer inside the root canal. Conclusion: R-EDTA when used as the last irrigant enhances the penetration of sealer inside the root canal owing to its reduced surface tension which enhanced its chelating property.