Surface tension of root canal irrigants.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface tension values of established and potential endodontic irrigants to which a surface active agent had not been added. Additionally, Cetredixine, a surfactant-containing 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution, was included in the measurements. Surface tension measurements were performed using the ring method on a DuNouy tensiometer at a standard room temperature. Ringer's solution, saline solution, and distilled water had the highest surface tension values, whereas those of NaOCl (2.5% and 5%) and 17% EDTA were relatively low. Two anesthetic solutions, Ultracaine and Citanest, demonstrated values similar to NaOCl and EDTA, although a statistically significant difference was found between all solutions tested. Cetredixin displayed the lowest surface tension. A low surface tension agent should penetrate tubules better.