The demineralizing effects of EDTA at different concentrations and pH

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of concentration and pH variations of EDTA on dentin demineralization. Twenty extracted, human permanent teeth with single canals were used in this study. Demineralizing effects of EDTA solutions at 10% and 17% concentrations at pH 7.5 and 9.0 were determined by measuring the amount of liberated phosphorus 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 min after exposure. The results showed that the amount of phosphorus liberated from dentin was greater with increased EDTA concentration and increased time of exposure, and it was more effective at neutral pH than pH 9.0. The pH of the EDTA solutions did not display any significant alterations during the demineralization process.