Practice question from Dental Admission Exam DAT
During root canal treatment, sodium hypochlorite irrigation is most effective at dissolving __ tissue, while EDTA is used to remove the __ layer.
Answer
["organic","smear"]
Explanation
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) dissolves organic tissue including pulp remnants, bacteria, and collagen through its proteolytic action. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a chelating agent that removes the inorganic smear layer created during instrumentation, opening dentinal tubules for better disinfection and sealer penetration.