RESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of SmearClear and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for removal of the smear layer from the root canals of primary teeth after instrumentation. METHODS: Thirty extracted, single-rooted, primary incisors and canines were instrumented and randomly assigned to the 3 groups (N=10): group 1=14% EDTA; group 2=SmearClear; and group 3=no smear layer removal procedure (control). The specimens were submitted to standard processing for scanning electron microscopic analysis to evaluate cleaning according to a 3-point scoring system that indicated best to worst cleaning. Data were analyzed statistically by the Mann-Whitney U test at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference (P>.05) between groups 1 (EDTA) and 2 (SmearClear). CONCLUSION: SmearClear was able to remove the smear layer from the root canals of primary teeth as effectively as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, suggesting that both solutions may be indicated for such purpose.
