Efficacy of different final irrigation activation techniques on smear layer removal

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Effective root canal irrigation is crucial for removing debris and smear layer.
• Various irrigant activation techniques aim to enhance solution delivery and efficacy.
• Smear layer removal is vital for successful endodontic treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of smear layer removal using apical negative pressure (ANP), manual dynamic activation (MDA), and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI).

Main Methods:

• Forty human mandibular premolars were prepared using the ProTaper system and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite.
• Specimens were divided into four groups: passive irrigation (PI), ANP (EndoVac), MDA, and PUI.
• Smear layer presence was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after longitudinal splitting.

Main Results:

• Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and passive irrigation (PI) showed the highest smear scores.
• Manual dynamic activation (MDA) demonstrated better smear layer removal than PI and PUI.
• Apical negative pressure (ANP) resulted in the statistically significant lowest mean smear score.

Conclusions:

• Apical negative pressure (ANP) and manual dynamic activation (MDA) are more effective for final irrigant activation in smear layer removal.
• ANP and MDA offer superior cleaning efficacy compared to PUI and PI in root canal treatment.