Obturation of accessory canals after four different final irrigation regimes

The aim of this study was to evaluate accessory canal obturation after four different final irrigation regimes. Sixty-four extracted human lower premolars were instrumented, divided randomly into four groups, and finally irrigated as follows: no irrigation (NO), distilled water (WA), sodium hypochlorite ([SH] 6%, 20 ml for 15 min), and EDTA (15%, 8 ml for 3 min) combined with the SH regimen (ES). The System B and the Obtura II were used to fill the canals. The teeth were cleared and observed under a digital microscope. Obturation material penetration rates in length into the accessory canals were measured and the following values were obtained: 22.3% in group NO, 21.8% in group WA, 53.5% and 68.1% in groups SH and ES, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing each of the first two groups (NO and WA) with SH and ES groups (p < 0.05). The use of sodium hypochlorite alone or in combination with EDTA in final irrigation flushes may enhance a better obturation material penetration into the accessory canals.