Removal efficiency of calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament with two calcium chelators: volumetric analysis using spiral CT, an in vitro study.

The vehicles used to carry calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament are many and may affect the retrieval. Access cavities were prepared in 40 single rooted anterior teeth, cleaning and shaping was done and filled with either Metapex or pure calcium hydroxide powder in distilled water. After 7 days the calcium hydroxide was retrieved using either 17% EDTA or 10% citric acid in combination with ultrasonic agitation. Volume analysis was done using spiral computed tomography. The percentage difference was calculated and statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. 10% citric acid showed better removal efficiency than 17% EDTA for Metapex (p = 0.003). The 17% EDTA showed excellent removal efficiency of powder form of calcium hydroxide in distilled water than Metapex (p < 0.001). Ten percent citric acid removed powder form of calcium hydroxide in distilled water better than Metapex (p = 0.05).