Effect of endoactivator and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation in removing the smear layer after root canal instrumentation: An in vitro study

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of smear layer removal with a newer endodontic irrigation device, i.e., endoactivator system and with hard tissue laser, i.e., erbium, chromium:yttrium, scandium, gallium garnet laser (Er,Cr:YSGG). Materials and Methods: Forty-four mandibular premolars, single-rooted, noncarious teeth were selected. All the canals were prepared by using ProTaper Universal rotary files (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and 3% NaOCl. Teeth were then divided into two control groups and two experimental groups. Group A: Negative control group (N = 11)- without any final irrigation, Group B: Positive control group (N = 11)- final rinse with 1 mL smear clear for 1 min using no. 30 gauge needle, Group C: Endoactivator group (N = 11)-1 mL smear clear + endoactivator, Group D: Er,Cr:YSGG laser group (N = 11). Teeth were sectioned and observed for smear layer removal at apical, middle, and coronal thirds under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: Results were interpreted analytically by Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon signed-ranks test. Conclusion: The two experimental groups were significantly more efficient in smear layer removal than the control groups. There was no significant difference between the endoactivator and laser groups. All groups showed more efficient smear layer and debris removal coronally than in the middle and apical regions.