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.