Influence of different agitation techniques on bacterial reduction in curved root canals

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of agitation techniques on bacterial reduction in curved root canals. Eighty human mandibular molars were prepared, inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and incubated at 37°C for 60 days. Then, specimens were randomly separated into two test groups (n = 36) and two control groups (n = 04) according to agitation technique: Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI, Irrisonic) and XP-endo Finisher (XPF). Microbial samples were collected before and after instrumentation and after final agitation using sterile paper points. Bacterial growth was analysed by turbidity of culture medium and UV spectrophotometry. The Wilcoxon rank test was used for the paired analysis, while the Mann-Whitney U-test was used for the non-paired analysis. The samples collected after final agitation were significantly different between test groups (p < 0.05). Bacterial reduction was greater in the PUI than in the XPF (p < 0.05) group. The irrigant agitation provided significant bacterial reduction. The use of the PUI showed better results.