Effect of Citric Acid Versus EDTA on Radiographic Root Development in Regenerative Endodontic Treatment: An Animal Study

Abstract

Introduction: Regenerative endodontic treatment was introduced with the aim of reinforcing the root and enabling further root development. In the process of dentin mineralization, bioactive molecules are entrapped in the dentin matrix, which can be released later by rinsing the dentin with chelating agents. This study aimed to compare the effects of citric acid and EDTA on radiographic root development in regenerative endodontic treatment in an animal model. Methods: Premolars of 3 beagle dogs were used in this study. The teeth at 1 side of the jaw were irrigated with EDTA according to the regeneration protocol of the American Association of Endodontists. The teeth in the other quadrant were irrigated with citric acid in the second treatment session. Follow-up radiographs were obtained at 6 months, and the primary and final data were analyzed in SPSS Version 23 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) using the analysis of covariance. Results: There was no significant difference between the 2 irrigating solutions regarding the increase in root length (P = .668); however, EDTA showed significantly superior efficacy in increasing the root dentin thickness compared with citric acid (P = .022). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the use of citric acid versus EDTA was not superior on radiographic root development in regenerative endodontic treatment.