Evaluation of debris and smear layer removal efficacy of different irrigating solutions using the C-RCC irrigation...

Conventional use of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) for debris and smear layer removal may weaken dentin and prolong clinical procedures, prompting a search for safer, more efficient, and multifunctional irrigants. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate debris and smear layer removal efficacy of different irrigating solutions using C-RCC irrigator.

Eighty extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated, instrumented with ProTaper Universal files, and randomly allocated into four groups (n = 20): Group I-NaOCl-EDTA, Group II-NaOCl-Neem extract, Group III-Superoxidised water, and Group IV-Normal saline. Irrigation was performed using C-RCC irrigator. Samples were longitudinally sectioned and examined under scanning electron microscopic at × 500 and × 1000 magnification. Hulsmann's scoring criteria were followed, and data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc Dunn tests.

All irrigants except saline showed varying cleaning abilities. NaOCl-EDTA (debris = 1, smear layer = 1.25) and superoxidized water (debris = 1.2, smear layer = 1.45) demonstrated similar efficacy with statistically insignificant difference, although values were slightly higher for NaOCl-EDTA and both were significantly more effective than NaOCl-neem extract and saline. Coronal thirds showed better cleanliness than the middle and apical thirds.

NaOCl-EDTA remained the most effective regimen. However, superoxidised water showed promise as a single, efficient irrigant.