EDTA

Most commonly used chelating agent. Introduced by Nygaard-Ostby . There are four
acetic acid attached to ethylenediamine . chelates with metallic ions in medium
needed for growth of bacterias. Forms stable bond with calcium and dissolves
dentin . It has self limiting action . When all chelating ions are reacted an
equilibrium is reached which prevents further dissolution . Dentin dissolving
properties . enlarge narrow canals . easier manipulation of instruments . R-EDTA =
EDTA+cetrimide . EDTAT EDTA + Texapon decreases surface tension . EDTA-CEDTA + cetavelon- disinfecting properties and surfactant.
Uses of EDTA

Has dentin dissolving properties

It helps in enlarging narrow canals
Makes easier manipulation of instruments
Reduces time needed for debridement

(Grag,N(2014)Textbook of Endodontics,Jaypee Brothers Publishing house P.

ltd., New Delhi India, pp 217-220)

Different forms of EDTA

1. R-EDTA combined with cetrimide. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide for
example . It helps in better cleaning f of canals .
Cetrimide is a quaternary ammonium compound, a cationic surfactant, Antiseptic
agent, a detergent ,disinfectant.
Mechanism of Action of Cetrimide
Cetrimide is a cationic surfactant. It destroys or damages the cell membrane by
lowering surface tension.Thus interfering with the cell multiplication or growth. It
causes microbial protein denaturation and produces antiseptic action.
-Cetrimide + Chlorhexidine Pharmacology retrieved from :
https://www.medicineindia.org/pharmacology-for-generic/1893/cetrimide-chlorhexidine

Violich D. R. et al (2010) Cetrimide is added to EDTA to reduce

the surface tension and increase permeability of the solution. There
was no smear layer found remaining except in the apical area. After
using EDTA in vivo the dentinal tubules are found to be patent and with
only a small superficial debris are present.
2. EDTAT- EDTA+Texapon. With sodiumlauryl sulfate which results in decreasing
the surface tension .

3. ECTA-C- it is available commercially as a 15% solution with a PH of 7.3, under

the name EDTAC because it contains cetavelon , a quaternary ammonium
compound which is added due to its disinfecting properties . Also the addition
of surfactant reduces the contact angle of EDTA when placed on dentin
surface and thus enhances its cleaning efficacy.

According to Chen, G et al (2011) The paste / gel type of chelators such as 17%
EDTA is effective in improving the cleaning of canals during instrumentation using
rotary nickel-titanium instrumentation. And the use of 17% EDTA liquid as a final
irrigant is recommended.
Chen, G , Chao Chang,Y(2011) Effects of liquid- and paste-type EDTA on smearlayer removal during rotary root-canal instrumentation, Journal of Dental
Sciences,Volume 6, Issue 1,Taipei, Taiwan
According to Iqbal,A(2012) The gel type of EDTA is used as a lubricant while on the
other hand the liquid EDTa is used as irrigant. The desired effect of EDTA is obtained
within 1 to 5 minutes.
Iqbal , A.(2012)Antimicrobial Irrigants in the Endodontic Therapy, Int J Health Sci
(Qassim)
EDTA Mechanism of action:
According to Iqbal , A.(2012) EDTA binds to metals like Calcium present in Cells. By
this chelating action it interferes with the cells vital functions like enzyme activities,
attachment, motility, metabolic processes, signal transduction, replication thus
leading to cell lysis.EDTA can also disorganized the outer membrane of gramnegative bacteria, inhibit the coaggregation between pairs of microorganisms and is
possibly an effective inhibitor of bacterial adhesins. EDTA at concentrations of 1517%
removes calcium from dentine leaving a softened matrix of dentine.
Grag,N(2014). EDTA acts as a chelating agent wherein it prevents adhesion of
organic tissue to itself and accelerates emulsification of tissue like collagen which is
the major constituent of a vital pulp that is packed intp a glue like mass. This glue
like mass will contribute to the formation of iatrogenic blocks.