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A scanning electron microscope study on the effect of an experimental irrigation solution on smear layer removal
Vahid Zand1, Hadi Mokhtari1, Mehrdad Lotfi2
1Dental and Periodontal Research Center, Department of Endodontics, Dental School, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran;
Iranian Endodontic Journal
|April 2, 2014
Summary
A new irrigation solution with 1% papain, EDTA, 2% chlorhexidine, and Tween 80 effectively removed the smear layer in root canals. This finding suggests a promising alternative for endodontic treatment protocols.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Smear layer removal is crucial for successful endodontic treatment.
- Existing irrigation protocols have limitations in completely eliminating the smear layer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an experimental irrigation solution containing papain, Tween 80, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and EDTA in removing the smear layer.
- To compare the smear layer removal capabilities of different concentrations of papain within the experimental solution.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro study involving 36 single-rooted teeth.
- Root canals were prepared and irrigated with experimental solutions containing either 1% or 0.1% papain, along with 17% EDTA, Tween 80, and 2% CHX.
- Control groups received standard irrigation protocols (NaOCl/EDTA) or normal saline.
- Smear layer quantification was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) based on the Hulsmann method.
Main Results:
- The experimental irrigation solution containing 1% papain demonstrated comparable smear layer removal to the negative control group (standard regimen).
- No significant differences were observed between the negative control and the 1% papain group in smear layer removal across different canal sections (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- The combination of 1% papain, EDTA, 2% chlorhexidine, and Tween 80 effectively removes the smear layer from root canal walls.
- This experimental irrigant shows potential as an effective agent for smear layer management in endodontic procedures.
