Evaluation of a Novel Polyether Ether Ketone Activation Tip for Smear Layer Removal

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) activation tip in smear layer removal.

Fifty maxillary upper incisors were prepared up to a size 50/05 instrument and embedded in tubes filled with heavy-body silicone to create a customised matrix for each specimen. The teeth were removed from the matrices, sectioned longitudinally, and standardised grooves were created at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex to delineate the buccal canal wall area for analysis. Specimens were then reassembled, repositioned in their respective matrices, and allocated to the following groups: ultrasonic activation with a PEEK tip, ultrasonic activation with a metallic tip, conventional non-activated irrigation, and 2 control groups (positive and negative). Smear layer removal at each level was evaluated using environmental scanning electron microscopy and scored according to a 4-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (P < .05).

Ultrasonic activation with both PEEK and metallic tips significantly enhanced smear layer removal compared to conventional non-activated irrigation at the 3 mm level. At the 6- and 9-mm levels, no significant differences were found between the PEEK and metallic tips; however, both outperformed the conventional method.

These findings suggest that ultrasonic activation with PEEK tips is an effective option for smear layer removal, providing results comparable to those achieved with metallic tips across all evaluated canal levels.