1 Percent Phytic Acid useful Alternative to 17 Percent EDTA for Root Canal Irrigation: Study Suggests
India: 1% phytic acid is a suitable irrigating solution compared to 17% EDTA, as it causes less demineralization of radicular dentin. This conclusion comes from a recent in vitro study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, which assessed the effect of these irrigants on calcium ion loss and the microhardness of root canal dentin.
The research, led by Dr. Priyanka R. Zinge and colleagues from the School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Maharashtra, provides insights into safer alternatives for endodontic irrigation that minimize structural compromise to dentin.
Irrigation plays a crucial role in endodontic therapy, helping to remove debris, disinfect the canal system, and facilitate shaping and cleaning procedures. While ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) has been widely used for its chelating properties, concerns about excessive demineralization and dentin softening have prompted investigations into alternative irrigants. Phytic acid, a naturally occurring compound, has emerged as a potential substitute, offering the advantage of reduced calcium ion extraction while maintaining effective canal preparation.
The study evaluated 45 freshly extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars, which were decoronated and sectioned. One half of each tooth was used to measure calcium ion loss, while the other half assessed changes in microhardness. Statistical analysis, including analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc tests, was applied with significance set at p < 0.001.
The study revealed the following notable findings:
- Teeth treated with 1% phytic acid showed a smaller reduction in calcium levels compared to those treated with 17% EDTA.
- Both irrigants caused some demineralization, but the effect of phytic acid was significantly less.
- The reduced demineralization with phytic acid suggests a more conservative approach to dentin preservation.
- No significant differences in microhardness were observed between the phytic acid and EDTA groups.
- Phytic acid effectively maintained the structural integrity of root canal dentin.
The authors highlighted that the decoronation process used in the study eliminated the coronal reservoir of the irrigants, which may not fully replicate clinical conditions. Despite this limitation, the findings suggest that phytic acid’s mild demineralizing effect could facilitate easier negotiation and preparation of complex root canals without compromising dentin strength. This characteristic may offer practical advantages during routine endodontic procedures.
Dr. Zinge and colleagues recommend further in vitro and in vivo studies to confirm the clinical applicability of phytic acid as a routine endodontic irrigant. Longer-term assessments and trials under actual clinical conditions are needed to establish standardized protocols and validate the observed benefits.
Within the study’s scope, 1% phytic acid emerges as a promising alternative to 17% EDTA, balancing effective canal irrigation with minimal structural impact on radicular dentin. Its use could potentially improve procedural efficiency and preserve tooth integrity, marking a step forward in safer and more effective endodontic treatments.
Reference:
Zinge, Priyanka R.; Saraf, Prahlad A.1; Ratnakar, P.2; Hugar, Santosh I.3; Saraf, Suma P.4; Karan, Smita5. Assessment of calcium ion loss and its effect on microhardness of root canal dentin using 1% phytic acid and 17% EDTA: An in vitro study. Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics 28(9):p 911-915, September 2025. | DOI: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_413_25
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