Evaluation of pulp tissue dissolution capacity through different sodium hypochlorite agitation protocols

This ex vivo study aimed to assess the dissolving capacity of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite using eight agitation protocols within swine pulp tissue.

Twelve lower first premolars were prepared and split into the fragments with a groove housing porcine dental pulp. Groups were assigned based on agitation systems: manual, passive ultrasonic, Easy Clean and XP-Endo Finisher. Two agitation time protocols were applied: One min (3 s × 20 s cycles) and 2 min (6 s × 20 s cycles). Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the groups.

Both time frames demonstrated superior results compared to manual group (P > 0.5). However, in the two min groups, no significant differences were observed among the other protocols (P < 0.5). Intriguingly, increasing cycle numbers significantly improved results within each group (P > 0.5).

Extending the chemical agitation time during final irrigation enhances tissue removal, regardless of the irrigation protocol employed.