[An experimental study on cleaning efficacy of several root canal irrigants]

Seventy-two extracted anterior teeth were subjected to routine biomechanical instrumentation and irrigated with one of the six irrigation liquids: normal saline, 3% hydrogen peroxide, 2% chloramine, 3% hydrogen peroxide and 2% chloramine by turns, 1% glutaraldehyde, and 1% metronidazole. The roots were split and examined under light microscope as well as SEM. Statistical analysis showed that a combination of hydrogen peroxide with chloramine, chloramine or glutaraldehyde was more effective than saline or hydrogen peroxide in removing the debris.