EDTA & Chelating Agents

About EDTA and chelating agents

EDTA has been the most widely advocated chelating agent for dissolving the smear layer since it was introduced to endodontics in 1957. The most extensively studied and internationally accepted concentration is 17 percent. How well it works depends on concentration, pH, contact time and whether it is a solution or a gel.

Works on the inorganic part of the smear layer, where hypochlorite works on the organic part.

Sources: Comparative Evaluation of Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of EDTA Gel Versus Solution With Sonic Activation, 2026 (Cureus)