Influence of passive ultrasonic activation on the penetration depth of different sealers

Correct use of instruments and irrigating solutions are major factors during chemo-mechanical preparation of root canals. Ultrasonically activated files and solutions are used for debridement of canals. In this study 42 single rooted anterior human teeth were used. The roots were divided into two groups. One group received an application of 17% ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) of 1 ml for 1 min using an ultrasonically energized file. The other group received an application of 17% EDTA of 1 ml for 0.5 min using an ultrasonically energized file. The groups were divided again into two subgroups. The roots were filled with a resin based sealer, AH26 and a glass ionomer sealer--Endion with lateral condensation technique. The roots were separated into two halves. The specimens were viewed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Statistical differences between the groups and regions were analyzed with Variance and Duncan tests. Under the conditions of this study, it can be said that ultrasonically activated irrigation did not reduce the smear layer effectively at 1 min and 0.5 min time intervals. According to this result, no difference was observed between the penetration of sealers.