Endodontics · single question
During root canal therapy, which irrigant/agent is used to remove the smear layer and disrupt biofilm by chelation?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. EDTA
- A. NaOCl dissolves organic/necrotic tissue and is antibacterial, but it does not remove the inorganic smear layer.
- B. Correct. EDTA is a chelating agent that removes the inorganic smear layer and helps disrupt biofilm, exposing dentinal tubules.
- C. Chlorhexidine is antibacterial but does not chelate or remove the smear layer.
- D. Calcium hydroxide is an intracanal medicament, not a smear-layer remover.