Irrigation solutions are used to help dissolve vital and necrotic tissue, eradicate bacteria and other microorganisms, remove the smear layer, and lubricate the canal system.

As no single irrigation solutions exists that can accomplish all of the above goals, multiple solutions should be used during clinical treatment. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and 2% Chlorhexidine (CHX) are commonly used for chemical debridement during the process of canal preparation.