Surface tension of root canal irrigants

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface tension values of establi shed and potential endodontic irrigants to which a surface active agent had not been added. Additionally, Cetredixine, a surfactant-containing 0.2% ch lorhexidine gluconate solution, was included in the measurements. Surface t ension measurements were performed using the ring method on a DuNouy tensio meter at a standard room temperature. Ringer's solution, saline solution, a nd distilled water had the highest surface tension values, whereas those of NaOCl (2.5% and 5%) and 17% EDTA were relatively low. Two anesthetic solut ions, Ultracaine and Citanest, demonstrated values similar to NaOCl and EDT A, although a statistically significant difference was found between all so lutions tested. Cetredixin displayed the lowest surface tension. A low surf ace tension agent should penetrate tubules better.