Spectrophotometer absorption of calcium chelated by different solutions

Objectives: The chelating solutions used in endodontics are organic substances that chelate metallic ions from the dentine, chemically fixing them, and therefore, being of great value for shaping the root canal. This study proposes a method of analysis of calcium ion solubility chelated by three different solutions: 1% EGTA, 17% EDTA and 1% CDTA by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Methods: The crowns of the teeth were sectioned and the roots were standardized at 15 mm, and prepared with #40 .04 Profile instruments. After 5 min, the teeth were irrigated with 5 ml of white water for spectrophotometer analysis. Results: Results showed that 17% EDTA presented a great capacity of calcium ion chelation (32.612 mg/l), 1% CDTA showed intermediate values (7.151 mg/l) and 1% EGTA showed the lowest capacity of chelation (2.742 mg/l). Conclusions: We conclude that 17% EDTA has a great capacity to chelate calcium ions followed by CDTA and EGTA.