Evaluation of the surface of root canal walls after utilization of endodontic rotary systems: SEM study

The objective of the present study was to determine, by scanning electron microscopy, the aspect of root canal walls after utilization of different rotary instrumentation systems for root canal preparation. Forty-two single-rooted and straight teeth were divided into six groups, whose root canals were prepared using the following rotary systems: groups 1 and 2 - Quantec; groups 3 and 4 - Pow-R; groups 5 and 6 - Profile. Irrigation was performed with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution in all groups, while only groups 2, 4 and 6 received a final flush with EDTA. Data were analyzed by non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Miller tests. Removal of the smear layer and other debris was more effective in the groups receiving EDTA as final irrigant. The Profile system showed the best cleaning, generating only a minimum smear layer, with a significant difference being observed compared to the Pow-R system (p<0.05), but no difference when compared with Quantec system. The final use of EDTA favored cleaner surfaces in all groups.