succimer and Smear-Layer

Successful outcome of endodontic treatment depends on elimination of bacteria and their products present in the root canal. It has been reported that after careful chemicomechanical preparation, smear layer is formed on the walls of canal, which contains bacteria and their products. Chelating agents, when used during chemicomechanical preparation, remove the smear layer. DMSA--a new chelating agent, when used in root canals, removes the smear layer more than EDTA when used as irrigant in root canals. This study was conducted to determine whether DMSA has anti microbial activity and compare it with EDTA. The results show that EDTA (10% & 15%) had marked anti microbial activity, both on culture plates and in broth. DMSA (10% & 15%) did not show anti microbial activity on culture plates while in broth it had marked activity.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chelating Agents; Edetic Acid; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Root Canal Irrigants; Smear Layer; Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus; Succimer

The effects of EDTA were compared in vitro with the effects of two other chelating agents: succimer and trientine HCl. Thirty extracted human teeth with single canals were used. Groups of 10 were treated by the three agents and then examined under the scanning electron microscope. The results showed that EDTA widened the dentinal tubules. Trientine HCl also produced widening of the dentinal tubules very similar to EDTA, whereas succimer produced more extensive widening.

Topics: Chelating Agents; Dental Pulp Cavity; Dentin; Dentin Permeability; Edetic Acid; Humans; Smear Layer; Succimer; Trientine