Effect of low-surface-tension EDTA solutions on the wettability of root canal dentin

Objective. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of reducing the surface tension of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solutions on the wettability of root canal dentin. Study design. Forty-two extracted teeth were sectioned at the crown, and the apical third and remaining mid-root portion was bisected longitudinally. The root halves were embedded in resin blocks. The experimental groups were treated with 17% EDTA, EDTA-T, and REDTA alone or followed by 2.5% NaOCl. Surface free energies of samples were calculated by measuring contact angles. Surface tension measurements of all solutions were performed with pendant drop method. Results. The addition of surfactant to the EDTA solution significantly decreased the surface tension of solutions (P < .01). Combined and single use of experimental solutions and NaOCl significantly decreased the water contact angle and increased the surface free energy of root canal dentin (P < .05). EDTA-T alone or combined with NaOCl also increased surface free energy compared with EDTA solution (P < .05). Conclusions. The use of low-surface-tensioned EDTA compounds alone or in combination with NaOCl increased the wettability of root canal dentin. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011; 111: 109-114)