Indications
Disodium Edetate (also called EDTA) as a 17% solution is used by dentists during root canal treatment. It helps clean and shape the root canals by dissolving the thin layer of debris (smear layer) that forms on the canal walls during filing, and it helps the dentist find and open narrow or partly blocked canals. Disodium Edetate is also used in small amounts as a stabilising ingredient in eye drops and other medicines, but this write-up describes the dental solution.
How It Works
Disodium Edetate is a chelating agent, meaning it grabs and holds metal ions. Inside the tooth it binds calcium from the dentine (the hard tissue under the enamel), which softens the canal walls slightly and loosens the mineral part of the smear layer. This lets the dentist clean the canal more easily and helps disinfecting rinses and filling materials reach and seal the canal walls.
Dosage and Administration
For professional dental use only. The dentist places the solution inside the root canal with a fine syringe and needle or on a paper point, usually leaving it for about 1 minute, then rinses it out. It is often used in turn with a disinfecting rinse such as Sodium Hypochlorite. The amount and contact time are decided by the dentist. It is not for patients to use at home, not for swallowing and not for injection.
Interactions
Inside the canal, mixing EDTA directly with Sodium Hypochlorite reduces the cleaning action of the hypochlorite, so dentists usually rinse between them. Mixing it with Chlorhexidine can form a solid deposit. No interactions with medicines taken by mouth are expected from correct dental use, but tell your dentist about all medicines you take.
Contraindications
- Known allergy to edetate (EDTA) or any ingredient of the solution.
- Use anywhere other than inside the root canal, for example on gums or open wounds.
- Injection or swallowing.
Side Effects
When used correctly side effects are uncommon. If the solution passes beyond the tip of the root or touches the gums, lips or inside of the mouth it may cause irritation, pain or swelling. Contact with the eyes or skin can cause irritation. Leaving it in the canal too long can soften the dentine too much.
Get urgent medical or dental help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread rash) or severe, rapidly increasing swelling or pain after treatment.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Only a very small amount is used inside the tooth and little or none is absorbed into the body, so it is not expected to harm the baby. Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; the dentist will plan treatment and timing with you.
Precautions and Warnings
- Dentists use a rubber dam to stop the solution from reaching the mouth or being swallowed.
- Avoid forcing the solution beyond the root tip.
- Do not leave it in the canal for longer than needed.
- If it touches the eyes or skin, rinse at once with plenty of water.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling the bottle.
Overdose
Overdose is not expected with dental use. If a large amount is swallowed by accident, contact a doctor or poison centre. Large amounts of edetate entering the body can lower blood calcium, causing muscle cramps or tingling, which needs medical care.
Therapeutic Class
Chelating agent; dental root canal irrigant.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.