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The purpose of this study was to quantify the volume of 17% ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) needed to efficiently remove the smear layer after rotary instrumentation, and to determine if additional irrigation has any effect on debris removal. Forty single canal teeth were instrumented with ProFile GT rotary instruments. Experimental groups were irrigated with 1, 3, or 10 ml of 17% EDTA for 1 min, followed by a final rinse with 3 ml of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Samples were scored for debris remaining and examined under SEM to determine quality of smear layer removal. There were no significant differences among groups when comparing either debris remaining or quality of smear layer removal. EDTA irrigation volume greater than 1 ml did not improve debris removal. Efficient removal of the smear layer was accomplished with a final rinse of 1 ml of 17% EDTA for 1 min, followed by 3 ml of 5.25% NaOCl.

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