A comparative SEM study of smear layer removal by detergents and EDTA on the root surface.

The present study performed an SEM evaluation of the efficiency of the following detergents on smear layer removal on the root surface: sodium lauryl sulphate, Plax, castor oil, and EDTA 24%. Sodium lauryl sulphate did not remove the smear layer and showed the worst results of all detergents tested. Plax and castor-oil detergents showed similar results represented by partial removal of the smear layer; these results were better than those obtained in the control (physiologic serum) and sodium lauryl sulphate groups. Neutral EDTA 24% was the most efficient detergent for smear layer removal.