Comparison of the effect of citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on regenerative endodontic outcomes: A systematic review protocol

In regenerative endodontics, clinical guidelines recommend the use of chelating agents, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to release bioactive molecules entrapped in the dentin matrix during dentin demineralization (American Association of Endodontics 2018, Galler et al. 2016), and consequently enhance stem cell differentiation (Dos Reis-Prado et al. 2022, 2023). Although EDTA remains the most used irrigating solution after sodium hypochlorite in regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs), previously studies indicated improved cell behavior and growth factors’ release after conditioning with citric acid compared to EDTA (Chae et al. 2018, Ivica et al. 2019). Thus, citric acid may be a promising option in comparison to EDTA for regenerative endodontic outcomes.