Comparison of the chelating capacity of EDTA and EGTA, a new demineralized agent, on molars in vitro

Recent morphologic studies have shown qualitative, how demineralizing substances clean teeth roots. In this work we attempt to describe quantitatively the "chelation process" and pH evolution of the quelator solution in-vitro inside the teeth during the reaction. These results indicate that Ca++ coming from hydroxyapatite release protons from EDTAH under neutral conditions. This is the most likely mechanism of the "self-limitation". Furthermore, it allow us to explain why EDTA Im and EGTA Im were more efficient than EDTA Na and EGTA Na upon demineralizing the tooth. EGTA Im turn out to be the fastest demineralizing agent as compared to EDTA Na which is currently employed in endodontic therapy.